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Tracheostomy

For patients, caregivers, families and physicians to learn about the surgical procedure and find valuable information on living with and taking care of a tracheostomy.

Learn About:

Our Team

  • Nasir Islam Bhatti, MD

    • Director Johns Hopkins Percutaneous Trach Service

    Expertise: Otolaryngology

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Elliott R. Haut, MD PhD

    • Vice Chair of Quality, Safety, & Service, Department of Surgery

    Expertise: Trauma Surgery

    Primary Location: The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD

  • Kent A. Stevens, MD MPH

    • Chief, Division of Acute Care Surgery

    Expertise: Surgical Critical Care, Trauma Surgery

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

Message from the Director

Welcome to the Johns Hopkins Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Tracheostomy Web site, where patients, caregivers, families and physicians can learn about the surgical procedure and find valuable information on living with and taking care of a tracheostomy. We strive to provide state of the art and compassionate care for the patients with a tracheostomy.

We realize that caring for a loved one with a tracheostomy is not an easy task. Many questions will arise before and after the procedure. While the information on our site does not replace the answers provided from physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals, it will provide helpful information concerning the more common issues and concerns of patients, families and caregivers.

At Johns Hopkins, we have, among many other clinical and research achievements, standardized the tracheostomy change using a procedure that is extremely safe. Our tracheostomy team includes not only surgeons and otolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons, but also nurse practitioners, nurses, speech and swallowing pathologists, respiratory care practitioners, and other healthcare professionals and educators who work collaboratively with other Johns Hopkins specialists to provide the most comprehensive multidisciplinary care possible for our patients.

We hope our skill, knowledge and innovative approach provides you with the information you need to better understand and care for an adult with a tracheostomy.

Sincerely,
Dr. Nasir Bhatti MD, FACS, FRCS, MHS
Director, Johns Hopkins Percutaneous Tracheostomy and Airway Service
Otolaryngologist -- Head and Neck Surgeon

Resources

Professional Organizations

Resources for Nurses Caring for Patients with a Tracheostomy