A two-way tracheal dilator, like the Trousseau type, is used to hold open the tracheal opening (stoma) during a tracheostomy to make it easier to insert a tracheal tube. Its uses include widening the initial incision during a tracheostomy procedure, facilitating tube insertion, and keeping the stoma open during a tube change, especially if the tube accidentally becomes dislodged when the track is not yet fully formed.

Tracheostomy procedure:

To widen the incision in the trachea to allow for the safe and easy insertion of a tracheostomy tube.

Tracheostomy tube change:

To keep the stoma open while changing the tube, which is particularly useful in the early post-operative period when the newly formed track is still fragile.

Cricothyrotomy:

To widen the opening made in the cricothyroid membrane to secure an airway in an emergency.

Stomal stenosis treatment:

To widen the opening in cases where the stoma has become narrowed over time.