Tracheostomy tubes are medical devices used to provide patients with an airway when they cannot breathe by themselves. These tubes are inserted through a surgical incision in the patient's neck and directly into their windpipe.

Tracheostomy tubes can be classified into two categories: cuffed and uncuffed. Cuffed tracheostomy tubes create a seal around the patient's airway, while uncuffed are open-ended. Tracheostomy tubes are commonly used in patients with respiratory failure, neuromuscular disorders, or severe head or neck injuries. They are also used during surgeries that require prolonged anesthesia.

Overall, tracheostomy tubes are vital tools used to ensure that patients can breathe properly and receive the necessary oxygenation for their bodies to function.