Which airway device is used for long-term ventilation and is surgically placed via a neck stoma?

Which airway device is used for long-term ventilation and is surgically placed via a neck stoma?

• A. Endotracheal Tube
• B. Tracheostomy Tube
• C. Nasotracheal Tube
• D. Laryngeal mask airway

Answer: (B)

Long-term ventilation requires a stable airway that stays in place and allows easy access to the lower airway. A tracheostomy tube achieves this by being inserted through a surgically created opening in the neck into the trachea, providing direct access for ventilator support and suctioning. Placing the tube via a neck stoma reduces airway resistance and dead space compared with tubes that pass through the mouth or nose, makes weaning from ventilation easier, and generally improves comfort for prolonged use. In contrast, tubes that go through the mouth or nose are typically used for shorter-term needs, and a laryngeal mask airway sits above the vocal cords and is not intended for long-term ventilation via a neck opening. Therefore, the described device is the tracheostomy tube.

Long-term ventilation requires a stable airway that stays in place and allows easy access to the lower airway. A tracheostomy tube achieves this by being inserted through a surgically created opening in the neck into the trachea, providing direct access for ventilator support and suctioning. Placing the tube via a neck stoma reduces airway resistance and dead space compared with tubes that pass through the mouth or nose, makes weaning from ventilation easier, and generally improves comfort for prolonged use. In contrast, tubes that go through the mouth or nose are typically used for shorter-term needs, and a laryngeal mask airway sits above the vocal cords and is not intended for long-term ventilation via a neck opening. Therefore, the described device is the tracheostomy tube.