International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology
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Three polyvinyl chloride tracheotomy tube (Shiley) failures were seen in two ventilator-dependent children at the University of New Mexico Hospital. In each a defect was noted between the faceplate and the cannula. It is postulated that a loss of plasticity of the polyvinyl chloride could have contributed to these failures. Recommendations for care and re-use of the tracheotomy tube are made.