Health Sciences · Hospital for Sick Children
Components of a metal Chevalier Jackson tracheotomy tube are mounted to a thin rectangular cardboard backing by thin wire. The cardboard mount is printed with the words “TRACHEOTOMY TUBES” and is covered in a sheet of clear plastic.
Two nested cannulae are mounted together on one side. The opening of the outer cannula has a flange, or faceplate. The flange has eyelets on either side to attach a fabric neckband in order to secure the tube. An inner tube, nested within the outer, has a funnel-like opening that extends beyond the flange of the outer tube. The inner cannula is secured to the outer cannula by two pins that are folded over narrow extensions on either side of its outer surface.
On the opposite side is mounted a metal obturator. This has a narrow metal handle with two fenestrations. The opposite end terminates in a sharp point.
Accession Number: 2025.sk.47
Alternative Name:
Primary Materials: Metal, Cardboard
Markings:
Dimensions (cm): Height = 3, Width = 11, Length = 15.5.
A tracheotomy is a surgical procedure that creates an alternate airway through the trachea. A tracheotomy tube is inserted into a hole in the trachea in order to maintain the airway.
A tracheotomy is performed in a variety of medical situations, including in advance of a surgical procedure that may obstruct the airway.
The Chevalier Jackson tracheotomy tube consists of three components: an inner cannula, an outer cannula, and an obturator. After the incision is made in the trachea, the obturator is inserted into the outer cannula. The sharp tip of the obturator permits this assembly to be inserted into the inclusion and keeps the cannula clear during insertion. When the outer cannula is in place, the obturator is removed and the inner cannula is inserted into the outer cannula and fixed into place.
This artifact is complete and intact. The surfaces of the metal components have acquired a brownish patina. The mounting has become somewhat warped and the cardboard slightly discoloured.
Associated Instruments:
Manufacturer:
Date of Manufacture: Post 1911.
Provenance:
Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology (WLM) in Schaumburg, IL, USA, Has a catalogue entry documenting the Jackson Tracheotomy Tube. The entry contains useful historical context. (Webpage archived 26 December 2025)
Historical Notes: