How I do it: securing tracheostomy tubes

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2008 May;265(5):607-8. doi: 10.1007/s00405-007-0508-5. Epub 2007 Dec 8.

Abstract

Securing a tracheostomy tube after insertion is essential to prevent accidental decannulation. Although this is uncommon, its associated mortality is high. Common practice involves suturing the lateral edges of the tube flanges to the skin. This can allow movement along the axis of the flanges. We describe a modification of the suture placement, which provides a more robust fixation.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Suture Techniques
  • Tracheostomy / instrumentation*
  • Tracheostomy / methods