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Tracheostomy for obstructive sleep apnea
Tracheostomy is sometimes used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In this surgery, the surgeon creates a permanent opening in the neck to the windpipe (trachea). He or she then puts a tube into the opening to let air in.
- A valve keeps the opening of the tube closed during the day, which allows you to speak and breathe normally.
- At night, the valve is opened so that air can go around the blockage in your throat and into your lungs while you sleep.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: July 9, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Mark A. Rasmus, MD - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Sleep Medicine | |
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