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About Failure of the Tracheostomy Tube
The Tracheostomy Tube is an extended length cannula (tube) with accessory components used to provide an artificial airway to assist in the treatment of a variety of respiratory diseases and airway management in adults. The tube is inserted into a tracheostomy incision in a patient’s neck and trachea. The tracheostomy tube is secured in place through the tube’s hub and flange assembly with the use of a holder or neck strap.
The outer cannula may separate from the hub and neck flange allowing the outer cannula to travel farther into the patient’s airway and significantly interfere with breathing and ventilation.
Failure of the tracheostomy tube can allow the tube to migrate, leading to obstruction of the airway and subsequent lack of ventilation. Airway obstruction or failure to ventilate can lead to permanent neurological injury or death. One such incidence was reported recently in which the cannula separation was allegedly associated with two patient deaths.
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( Ref : http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/recalls/recall-070804.html
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