Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy tubes provide a stable airway for ventilator support and allow access to the lower respiratory tract for secretion management. Indications for placement of a tracheostomy tube vary from relief of upper airway obstruction to ventilation for protracted acute respiratory failure to a chronic neuromuscular illness. This book focuses on the prospective practices, management, and potential complications of a tracheostomy. Some of the topics discussed include maintenance of a long term tracheostomy; open versus percutaneous tracheostomy; management of tube displacement; the use of a tracheostomy in burn patients; and the role of ultrasounds in a percutaneous tracheostomy.