With a tracheostomy, it is possible to restore airflow through the intact larynx by deflating the tube cuff or using an uncuffed tube. Even if the larynx isn't working straight away, getting some airflow across it can 'switch it back on' and start the rehabilitation process.

Review the different airflow patterns in the images, for a cuffed, uncuffed (or cuff deflated) and a fenestrated tracheostomy tube.

Select the Comparing cuffs and fenestrations tab to continue.

Fig 1 shows a cuffed tracheostomy tube in situ. Airflow should only be through the tube to the lungs, allowing positive pressure ventilation if the tube is correctly sited.

Deflating the cuff, or better still, using an un-cuffed tube will allow some airflow through the upper airway as in the centre figure (Fig 2).

Airflow can be increased by using a tube with a fenestration (hole), marked at the angle of the tube in the right-hand figure (Fig 3).

Some patients benefit from the extra airflow through the larynx, allowing speech.

This method can also be used to 'train', or rehabilitate, the larynx by allowing air to flow through it again following a prolonged period of ventilation.

However, there are a few things to check before deflating a cuff. Can you think what these are? The next few pages explain the key issues.