Tracheostomy
What is a Tracheostomy?
A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a new, unrestricted, and accessible airway. It can be temporary or permanent.
The surgeon creates an incision on the front of the neck at the level of the trachea (windpipe) below the vocal folds. This creates a direct airway as the trachea connects to the lungs. Once the tracheostomy is created, a tube is placed through the opening to establish a new airway that can be attached to a ventilator or left open for the patient to breathe without using the upper airways (larynx, vocal folds, throat, and nasal and oral cavities).
UR Medicine's Approach
Tracheostomy tubes can be different sizes depending on an individual’s size and respiratory needs. They can be "cuffed" or "cuffless."
A cuff keeps a seal between the trach tube and the upper airway (tracheal wall) so air passes only in and out of the trach tube. Without a cuff, airflow can pass around the trach tube into the upper airway.
Cuffed trachs are used with patients who use a ventilator, or those weaning from the ventilator. They can sometimes be helpful for individuals having difficulty managing the secretions from their upper airway.
What is a Speaking Valve?
A speaking valve is a small attachment placed at the opening of a trach tube. It allows individuals with trachs to use their voices and communicate verbally.
A speaking valve allows air into the lungs but not out of the trach tube. Instead, it diverts air around the trach, which can then be used to vibrate the vocal folds, make voice, and carry voice to the oral and nasal cavities to be made into speech.
Speaking valves cannot be used when the tracheostomy cuff is inflated. Evaluation with a specialist is important to ensure the upper airway is unrestricted. Your provider will order the speaking valve before your appointment. Be sure to bring this speaking valve with you to your appointment.
Our speech-language pathologists specialize in the anatomy and physiology of the upper airway, speech, and voice production, tracheostomies, and speaking valves. Our experts work collaboratively to determine when a speaking valve may be appropriate.
What Sets Us Apart?
UR Medicine Otolaryngology (ENT) provides services to more than 40,000 patients each year. Our specialists perform hundreds of procedures and surgeries annually, so patient care is always in the hands of well-practiced experts. As part of UR Medicine, our physicians handle more complex conditions and unusual complications than most physicians in the area. Many of our physicians are also involved in research to find new treatments for ENT-related diseases.
We use a multidisciplinary approach to care, offering highly specialized treatment for complex problems. Our providers are board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. Our speech-pathologists are licensed by the New York State Department of Education and hold Certificates of Clinical Competence for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), in addition to postgraduate training and certifications in several clinical subspecialties. Our entire team is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care.
Pediatric Tracheostomy & Home Ventilator Program
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