Tracheostomy Care

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it?

• A tracheostomy (tra-kee-AH-stuh-mee) or "trach" is a tube to help you breathe. It is put into your trachea through a small opening in your neck called a stoma. The trachea is also called the windpipe. The outer cannula of your trach tube fits into your stoma. The inner cannula fits inside the outer cannula. The inner cannula may be locked so that when you cough it does not pop out.
  
  
• You do trach care so you can breathe easily. There are two parts to trach care:
  
  
  • Suctioning. Suctioning is done using a long, thin, tube (catheter) with a hole to control when, and how long, you suction. The tube is attached to a machine that makes the suction. Suctioning removes fluids that build up in the throat. If the fluids get too thick to be coughed out, they must be suctioned.
    
    
  • Cleaning. Cleaning keeps the cannula path open.

CARE AGREEMENT:

Discuss your treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what steps you will follow to care for your trach. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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