Trach Terms
Following are some terms related to tracheostomy. These terms were
researched and submitted by Carolyn,
a Sleepnet forum friend. Hope they are helpful.
artificial airway - Surgical airway route that bypasses the normal
airway (nose & mouth).
cannula, inner - Removable inner tube that acts as a passageway for
airflow and secretion removal.
cannula, outer - The external tube that is inserted into the trachea
through a surgical opening. It provides an artificial passage for breathing
and may house a removable inner cannula.
cuffless tube - A tracheostomy tube without a cuff that allows airflow
through the mouth, nose and tracheostomy.
decannulation plug - Attaches to the outer cannula of a fenestrated
tracheostomy tube when the inner cannula has been removed. Blocks airflow
through the tracheostomy tube and directs breathing through the mouth and
nose.
encrustation - Hardened buildup of mucus formations.
fenestration - Hole(s) in the cannula that allows air to be directed
past the vocal cords and through the nose and mouth.
lumen - Cavity or opening within a tube.
mucus - Thick fluid secreted by the mucus membranes and glands.
patent - Open, clear airway.
suctioning - Procedure in which a small catheter is placed into the
tracheostomy tube to remove accumulated secretions from the tube.
trach ties - Ties used to hold the tracheostomy tube in place.
tracheal stoma - An opening in the neck that forms an additional path
for airflow to the lungs, usually bypassing the mouth and nose.
tracheal wall - Mucosal lining of the trachea.
tracheostomy - Creation of a surgical opening through the lower neck
and trachea to make breathing easier.
tracheostomy tube - An artificial breathing tube inserted into the
surgical opening in the trachea.