Brands of Tracheostomy Tubes

Definition
Three common brands of tracheostomy tubes vary by rigidity:

• Jackson trach tubes are made of metal
• Shiley trach tubes are made of polyvinyl chloride
• Bivona trach tubes are made of silicone
  

Jackson Tracheostomy Tubes

Least commonly used Made of metal Has inner cannula that can be removed and cleaned Needs special adaptor to connect to a ventilator or resuscitation bag Can be sterilized & reused by several patients Very durable

Shiley® Tracheostomy Tubes

Most common Made of PVC Plastic Single cannula for neonatal and pediatric sizes Inner cannula available for larger “adult” sizes Single patient use Can be recleaned More flexible in the airway than a metal trach

Portex™ Bivona®  Tracheostomy tubes

Made of silicone plastic with an internal wire coil Softer and more flexible Shape adapts to the angle of the airway Swivel connector

• Different brands have different characteristics
• Jackson tubes may cause trauma to the airway due to the stiffness of the trach tube
• Secretions  more likely to stick along the inside of the Shiley trach tube
• Bivona trach tubes need to be replaced prior to an MRI test due to the internal wire coil
• It is important to know the brand of tracheostomy tube that is used