Tracheostomy tubes (trach tubes) help kids with breathing problems. They allow them to breathe better and stay safe outside the hospital and at home.

A tracheostomy is a small opening a surgeon makes into a child’s windpipe or trachea. The doctor inserts a curved plastic tube, or trach tube, into the opening. This creates a new airway for the child to breathe through.

Reasons a child may need a trach tube to help them breathe:

• A narrow or blocked airway
• Weak muscles or lung
• Long-term need for a ventilator (breathing machine)
• Certain syndromes or birth conditions that affect breathing
• Vocal cords that can’t move as needed

A trach tube can be temporary or long term, depending on the child’s condition.

Sometimes, a child may also need a home ventilator to assist with breathing. This machine helps a child breathe by moving air in and out of their lungs. They may need to use it 24 hours a day or part of the day. The ventilator connects to the trach tube in the child’s neck. It delivers air into the windpipe, helping with more complex breathing issues.

Our complete, family-centered approach ensures your child receives optimal care in the hospital and at home.

• Inpatient services: Our nurses talk with you and your child before the procedure. We begin training about life with a trach, home ventilator or both.
• Outpatient services: Our Tracheostomy Clinic provides follow-up care. We review your child’s health, update ventilator settings and medicines and provide regular training.
• Care resources: Kids need care and support from home care nurses, medical devices and local therapists. Our team works with families to ensure a smooth transition home.

Nationally ranked: The Tracheostomy/Home Ventilator Program is part of the Division of Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, which has been named among the nation's best in U.S. News & World Report's since 2018.

A pioneering program: We have treated more than1,000 children with tracheostomies since the inception of our program in 1984. Our program was one of the first in the country to discharge children to home on a ventilator. We currently care for more than 150 children living in the Midwest. Our program developed an educational manual and multiple teaching videos for parents and caregivers who care for a child with a tracheostomy.

The family experience: We believe that trust, education and open communication are the key components to building strong relationships with children and their families, especially when a tracheostomy is first being discussed.

Large, multidisciplinary team: We have a multidisciplinary team that works closely with each child and his or her family. Team members include a pulmonary physician, otolaryngologist, respiratory care practitioner, social worker, speech therapist and case manager. A trach/vent nurse is assigned to work with the family to manage and coordinate both inpatient and outpatient care.

Wrap-around care: All families and caregivers participate in a training program to prepare them to care for their child with a tracheostomy at home. Home care nurses receive ventilator training certification by our respiratory and nursing staff as required by the state of Wisconsin to care for a child on a home ventilator. We work closely with school nurses and educators to facilitate the child's transition back to school. Our speech therapists educate and share information with local community speech therapists to promote effective therapy plans to care for a child with a tracheostomy. We contact local EMS services and energy companies alerting them that a child is on a ventilator in their area.