title: Tracheotomy tube failure.
abstract: Three polyvinyl chloride tracheotomy tube (Shiley) failures were seen in two ventilator-dependent children at the University of New Mexico Hospital. In each a defect was noted between the faceplate and the cannula. It is postulated that a loss of plasticity of the polyvinyl chloride could have contributed to these failures. Recommendations for care and re-use of the tracheotomy tube are made.
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D014140:Tracheotomy / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride