Airway access using a tracheostomy in children
Tutorial presented by Richard Hewitt, Paediatric ENT Consultant, Great Ormond Street Hospital
This tutorial covers the indications for tracheostomy in children and neonates, the anatomical differences between paediatric and adult tracheostomies, and the management of paediatric tracheostomies in various settings.
Indications for paediatric Tracheostomy include airway obstruction, post-operative airway management, and respiratory support.
Anatomical differences between children and adults:
- Tube Size and Design: Paediatric tracheostomy tubes are smaller and often do not have inner cannulas like adult tubes. Sizes start from 2 mm, but typically, size 3 mm is the smallest used regularly.
- Tube Length: Paediatric tubes come in neonatal and paediatric lengths, considering the shorter trachea in children.
- Complexity of Care: Children’s smaller anatomy makes securing and maintaining the tracheostomy more challenging, often requiring tied tapes rather than Velcro.
- Fenestrated Tubes: Rarely used in children due to size and suctioning difficulties.
Airway access using a tracheostomy in children
Tutorial presented by Richard Hewitt, Paediatric ENT Consultant, Great Ormond Street Hospital
This tutorial covers the indications for tracheostomy in children and neonates, the anatomical differences between paediatric and adult tracheostomies, and the management of paediatric tracheostomies in various settings.
Indications for paediatric Tracheostomy include airway obstruction, post-operative airway management, and respiratory support.
Anatomical differences between children and adults:
- Tube Size and Design: Paediatric tracheostomy tubes are smaller and often do not have inner cannulas like adult tubes. Sizes start from 2 mm, but typically, size 3 mm is the smallest used regularly.
- Tube Length: Paediatric tubes come in neonatal and paediatric lengths, considering the shorter trachea in children.
- Complexity of Care: Children’s smaller anatomy makes securing and maintaining the tracheostomy more challenging, often requiring tied tapes rather than Velcro.
- Fenestrated Tubes: Rarely used in children due to size and suctioning difficulties.
