We’re here to help with resources that share key insights into our product enhancements and provide support for your transition to Shiley™ flexible tracheostomy tubes.
Shiley™ tracheostomy tubes have been on the market for over 50 years. We are dedicated to evolving our products to meet the needs of clinicians and patients while aligning with global regulations, medical device standards, and regulatory organizations such as the FDA and EU MDR.
Our legacy Shiley™ tracheostomy tubes are outdated for the needs of today’s patients, industry guidelines, and regulatory specifications.
We designed our Shiley™ flexible (flex) tracheostomy portfolio to meet the latest regulations and standards, support the needs of doctors and caregivers, and ― most critically ― advance patient outcomes.
Learn about the differences between the legacy and updated products.
Each patient’s needs are unique. The Shiley™ flex tracheostomy portfolio expands our offering, providing more choices to effectively address clinical decision-making, insertion options, and patient sizing needs.
We now offer seven sizes, including half sizes, compared to the four legacy sizes. Our expanded size offering supports more effective cuff sealing ― without overinflating the cuff or causing tracheal damage. It also helps support longer-term trach wearers who may need to size up over time.
Our updated product labeling has created some challenges in understanding product sizing. Here’s what you need to know.
The product reference code (REF) on Shiley™ flex tracheostomy tubes indicates:
For a comparable size to the legacy Shiley™ tracheostomy tubes, reference the first number ― the Jackson size ― in the product code of Shiley™ flex tracheostomy tubes.
Legacy Shiley™ tracheostomy tubes had a rigid flange made of firm, opaque PVC material, which made visualization of the underlying skin difficult.
Our enhanced Shiley™ flex tracheostomy tubes feature a smaller, softer flange that conforms to the patient’s anatomy and has less contact with the sensitive skin around the stoma.
The flange is recessed to reduce contact with the stoma site and facilitate airflow to the skin, which can be difficult to keep dry. The clear, transparent material offers enhanced visualization of the underlying skin.
One hospital system reported an 80% decrease in tracheostomy-related pressure ulcers after incorporating Shiley™ flex tracheostomy tubes into their skin care bundle.1
Shiley™ flexible tracheostomy tubes include an integrated 15 mm connector. Compared to legacy Shiley™ tracheostomy tubes, on which the inner cannula had to be in place to attach ventilation equipment, the 15 mm connector on Shiley™ flex tracheostomy tubes is in place with or without the inner cannula. So, in the event of an emergency, necessary equipment can be attached regardless of inner cannula use.
The Shiley™ flex tracheostomy portfolio includes both disposable and reusable options. The inner cannulas are now easier to move and replace.
The newer inner cannulas securely snap in with light pressure, an advancement over the heavier pressure, pinching, and twisting motion required by legacy Shiley™ tracheostomy tube cannulas ― which could be difficult for some patients with strength or dexterity challenges.
The flush inner cannula design on Shiley™ flex tracheostomy tubes facilitates the 15 mm connector’s compatibility with general ventilator and tracheostomy accessories.
Shiley™ flex tracheostomy tubes require a different approach to speaking compared to legacy Shiley™ tubes.
Our Shiley™ speaking valve is designed to be used in conjunction with our tracheostomy tubes to optimize oral communications.
When attached to the 15 mm connector on the Shiley™ flex tracheostomy tube, the speaking valve enables phonation by redirecting airflow through the vocal cords, nose, and mouth.
Alternative options for speaking with Shiley™ flex tracheostomy tubes include removing the inner cannula or finger occlusion using a gauze pad.
Shiley™ flex tracheostomy tubes feature the taper-shaped TaperGuard™ cuff. The legacy product featured the barrel-shaped cuff design.
We are dedicated to Engineering the extraordinary. We infuse our passion for innovation with feedback from clinicians, patients, and data-driven research to continually evolve our products to advance patient outcomes.
Discover how we designed our Shiley™ flexible tracheostomy tubes to support easier initial placement, improved trachea and lung protection, and enhanced comfort and skin care.
For use by trained personnel only. The tracheostomy tube and obturator are sterile, single-use patient medical devices not intended to be reprocessed (cleaned, disinfected/sterilized) and used on another patient. Duration of use should not exceed twenty-nine (29) days. Please refer to the product instructions for use (IFU) for detailed usage and troubleshooting instructions.
†Compared to legacy Shiley™ tracheostomy tubes.
