PoliticsAugust 24, 2026

tracheotomy

tray-kee-OT-uh-mee

Definition

A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the windpipe (trachea) to help a patient breathe, or the artificial opening created by this procedure.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'tracheia' meaning 'windpipe' and 'tomē' meaning 'a cutting,' this term entered English in the late 17th century to describe the medical procedure of making an incision into the trachea.

In the news

The article mentions a tracheotomy tube as a critical medical device that a child with severe health needs requires to survive. Reusing this equipment due to funding cuts poses a serious infection risk.

Sick of It Spotlight: Republicans Health Care Cuts Are Making Kids Sicker

Read the full article ↗

Protect Our Care

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