Tracheostomy is used in the management of upper airway obstruction, maintenance of prolonged mechanical ventilation, and anaesthesia for some surgeries of the upper airway and pharynx.
Make a midline skin incision. Illustration drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permissionMake a midline skin incision. Illustration drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission
Separate the muscles to visualize the trachea. Illustration drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permissionSeparate the muscles to visualize the trachea. Illustration drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission
Place stay sutures around the tracheal rings. Illustration drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permissionPlace stay sutures around the tracheal rings. Illustration drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission
Insert the tracheostomy tube. Illustration drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permissionInsert the tracheostomy tube. Illustration drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission