Tracheal tube is a catheter that is inserted into the trachea, to establish and maintain a patent airway, and to ensure the adequate exchange of O2 and CO2.

• Endotracheal tube (ETT), that is nearly always inserted through the mouth (orotracheal) or nose (nasotracheal)
• Tracheostomy tube, 2-3in curved metal or plastic tube, may be inserted into a tracheostomy stoma (following a tracheotomy) to maintain a patent lumen
• Tracheal button, a rigid plastic cannula about 1in in length, that can be placed into the tracheostomy after removal of a tracheostomy tube to maintain patency of the lumen

• Laryngeal mask airway