| A stoma means a surgically created opening in the skin. The stoma is usually at the level of the fourth tracheal ring, counting from the distal portion of the trachea.
A tract is created in the trachea using serial dilators, and the tract matures after several days to a week. The tracheostomy has an inner and outer plastic cannula. The inner cannula is typically changed daily, and the outer cannula about once a month. The tube has a swivel connector and an adaptor with tubes connected to a ventilator, or, in the case of someone who can breathe spontaneously, without tubes. There is typically a tracheotomy tape of cotton that secures rubber guard with flanges that is tied to anchor the tracheostomy tube in place. Normally a dressing that is not friable (easily torn) like gauze is placed under the flanges. |
