What Is Mitral Regurgitation? Mitral regurgitation (MR) occurs when the heart's mitral valve does not close completely, allowing blood to regurgitate (or leak) through the valve when it should be closed. Here is a brief review of the heart's chambers and valves.
A tracheostomy usually takes 20 to 45 minutes to perform. The surgeon or other health care professional will make a cut through the lower front part of your neck and then cut into your windpipe. Cuffed trach tubes may be used. These tubes use air to widen or narrow the tube to fit the hole.
The trachea, also called the windpipe, is part of the passageway that supplies air to the lungs. Any prolonged blockage, even for a few minutes, can cause death. The trachea is about 4.5 inches long and 1 inch in diameter, and is comprised of smooth muscle and several c-shaped rings of cartilage.