Jet Stylets as an Aid for Replacement of Tracheostomy Tubes

Abstract

Difficulty in tracheostomy tube replacement can be life-threatening in a patient who is dependent on the tracheostomy for ventilation. The use of jet stylets for tracheostomy tube replacement in these patients facilitates the tube exchange and allows for jet ventilation if any difficulty is encountered during the tube replacement. We describe two cases in which jet stylets proved to be helpful during tracheostomy tube replacement and discuss considerations that are important for the safe use of these devices.