References
Understanding tracheostomy tubes
Abstract
It is important in veterinary practice that registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) understand why and when a tracheostomy tube may need to be placed in a patient, especially as it is often an emergency procedure. Having the knowledge on how these patients need to be nursed throughout their hospitalisation is also highly valuable and will prevent complications arising as well as enabling the RVN to deliver a high standard of care.
Placement of a tracheostomy tube is usually an emergency procedure when there is a physical or functional obstruction of airflow in the upper respiratory tract (Hyndman and Bray, 2017). By bypassing the nares, pharynx, larynx and proximal trachea the obstruction is relieved (Aldridge and O'Dwyer, 2013).
There are three main clinical indications for tracheostomy tube placement:
The most common causes that require tracheostomy tubes are patients in acute respiratory distress associated with laryngeal paralysis, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, or obstructing foreign bodies (bones, tennis balls etc.). Other causes include inflammation, neoplasia, or laryngeal trauma (Hyndman and Bray, 2017). However, it should be noted that placement of a tracheostomy tube in an emergency is only indicated if endotracheal intubation is not possible (Caron, 2016).
An appropriate size tube needs to be 6 or 7 tracheal rings in length and have a maximum diameter of 50% of the diameter of the tracheal lumen (Caron, 2016). Tubes also come in a variety of different forms as well as a variety of sizes. They can be single or double lumen as well as being cuffed or uncuffed. The type of tracheostomy tube selected depends on the reason for placement of the tracheostomy tube and patient factors such as breed, size and condition (Caron, 2016).
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting The Veterinary Nurse and reading some of our peer-reviewed content for veterinary professionals. To continue reading this article, please register today.