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An incision through the front of the neck and into the windpipe is known as a tracheostomy (trachea). Tracheostomy supplies provides an air passage to help you breathe when the usual route for breathing is blocked or reduced.
Tracheostomy care is incomplete without our range of tracheostomy supplies. These products have been designed keeping in mind both the patient and trach care giver. Tracheostomy products offer comprehensive support to individuals with a stoma throat on the airway to help with breathing and suction secretions. We carry a range of high quality tracheostomy equipment like aspirators, trach collars, and trach tubes from trusted manufacturers to provide the best support to patients. All items are from trusted and leading manufacturers like Covidien/Medtronic, Atos Medical, Smiths Medical, Carefusion Corporation, Boston Medical Products etc.
Tracheal humidifiers or HMEs (heat moisture exchange) are an integral part of tracheostomy supplies because they warm and moisten the air that is inhaled. HME is also known by other names like an artificial nose or a Swedish nose because it does the work of a nose/mouth which provides warmth, moisture and filters the air inhaled. A tracheostomy rules out this advantage and hence, an artificial humidifier becomes essential.
The HME filter fits onto one end of the trach tube and provides greater breathing comfort by conditioning, moisturizing and warming the incoming air. Humidification keeps the secretions thin and gets rid of mucus plugs. HME addresses the risk of infection by airborne pathogens and filters small airborne particles like bacteria, viruses, dust and pollen. The device needs to be changed daily to prevent accumulation of secretions.
There is a whole line of tracheal humidifiers from well-known brands like Airlife, DAR, Hudson RCI, Kimvent, Provox and more. We carry HMEs for infants, HME starter kits, HMEs with suction port and in different shapes and sizes.
Tracheal masks or tracheostomy masks are for use during tracheostomy and laryngectomy aerosol therapy. The neckband is comfortable and made of a soft, non-biting material. The swivel tubing connector swivels 360 degrees and allows access from either side. Patient comfort is provided with the soft cotton strap which permits accurate airway assessment and management. We carry Allied, Airlife and Hudscon RCI tracheal masks which accept 22 mm corrugated tubing and come in adult and pediatric sizes.
Tracheostomy tubes are inserted into a stoma tracheostomy providing a passage into the lungs. A tracheal tube consists of three parts – outer cannula with neck plate/flange, inner cannula, obturator trach.
The outer cannula keeps the tracheostomy open. The neck plate or flange holds the tube in place and has holes through which sutures, cloth trach ties or Velcro straps are pushed in to secure the device around the neck. Options are available of single cannula tube or dual cannula tube.
A dual cannula tube has an inner cannula which is inserted into the outer cannula. It can be brought out for cleaning. Once inserted into the outer cannula it is kept locked to prevent it from being coughed out.
The obturator tracheostomy is a device used to insert the tracheostomy tube. It is also referred to as a pilot that guides the tube into the trachea to prevent tissue damage.
Tracheal tubes may be cuffed, uncuffed or fenestrated. Cuffed tubes are for those who need assisted breathing through a respirator. A cuff, or balloon, blocks the airway ensuring no air flows around the trach tube and only through the tube thus keeping the patient well oxygenated. The cuff is inflated or deflated using a pilot balloon which is positioned outside the body.
Uncuffed tubes are suitable for those without a respirator and who do not have difficulty swallowing. These trach tubes allow air to pass into the upper trachea and larynx and are available in multiple sizes because they have long-term usage and should therefore have the right fitting.
A fenestrated tracheostomy tube allows the convenience of inner cannula disposability and, at the same time, lets the patient breathe through the upper airway if desired. Shiley tracheostomy tubes and Portextrach tubes are the popular choices in this category.
There are several types of tracheostomy tube holders which provide secure positioning and minimize movement of the tracheostomy tube. Popular brands like NeoHold, Pedi-Tie, Pedi-Tie II and Shiley trach are available.
We also carry tracheal care kits which include trach cleaning brushes, twill tapes, cotton-tipped applicators, tracheostomy dressings, gloves, pipe cleaners
Yes, you'll continue to live as long as you clean and change your tracheostomy tube to help prevent infection and reduce the risk of complications.
Generally, a tracheostomy prevents speaking because exhaled air goes out the tracheostomy opening rather than up through your voice box. But there are devices and techniques for redirecting airflow enough to produce speech.
While you're healing, swallowing will be difficult. You'll receive nutrients through an intravenous (IV) line inserted into a vein in your body, a feeding tube that passes through your mouth or nose, or a tube inserted directly into your stomach.
Tracheostomy is a surgical process by which an opening is created in the neck leading directly into the breathing tube, i.e. the trachea. The tube is inserted by making a cut in the neck below the vocal cords to allow air to flow into the lungs. A tracheostomy can either be temporary or permanent.
The initial 1-2 days are tough for the patient who finds it difficult to breathe or speak. Gradually, the patient will learn to breathe through the tracheostomy tube. A speech therapist or the doctor can help learn to talk with the trach tube or other speaking devices. Learning to live with the trach may take a fortnight.
It is important to take very good care of a tracheostomy tube. The trach tube and the skin around it need to be cleaned at least once daily or more often if needed. Change the trach ties weekly or more often if required. The inner cannula should be changed at least once every 8 hours or more frequently if indicated.
