title: Choosing a paediatric tracheostomy tube: an update on current practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A variety of paediatric tracheostomy tubes are available. This article reviews those in current use at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  We outline our preferences and the particular indications for the different tubes, speaking valves and other attachments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Practice has changed significantly in recent years. One product has been re-sized by its manufacturer; others are no longer commonly used. An updated sizing chart is included for reference purposes, together with manufacturers' contact details.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The choice of paediatric tracheostomy tube is driven by clinical requirements. A small range of tubes are suitable for the majority of children, but some will require other varieties in specific circumstances.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK. dtweedie@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Tweedie
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Skilbeck
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Cochrane
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cooke
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Wyatt
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003657:Decision Making; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007440:Intubation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D011364:Professional Practice; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome