Smiths Medical 101/816/070 Portex BLUselect Tracheostomy Tube Uncuffed 7.0mm ID

• Model: 101/816/070
• ID: 7.0mm
• OD: 10.5mm
• Length: 70.0mm

The Portex BLUselect 7.0 mm uncuffed tracheostomy tube is part of Smiths Medical’s BLUselect family, engineered to provide a reliable airway access option without the use of a cuff. Its 7.0 mm internal lumen makes it suitable for many adult patients who do not require a cuffed airway. Because it is uncuffed, it avoids pressure contact with the tracheal wall, which can reduce mucosal injury risk in appropriate clinical contexts.

One of the distinguishing features of this tube is its thermosensitive PVC construction: it offers sufficient rigidity at ambient temperature to facilitate smooth insertion, but softens at body temperature so that it better conforms to the patient’s upper airway geometry. This flexibility helps reduce trauma and improves comfort while maintaining a secure airway path. The anterior taper / arc design encourages the tip to remain midline, which assists in stable placement and minimizes contact with tracheal walls. The hollow obturator system with retaining clips enables more controlled insertion while limiting unwanted movement of the obturator relative to the tube.

In daily clinical use, the BLUselect 7.0 mm uncuffed tube’s color‑coding and laser‑engraved markings on the flanges aid in rapid identification, helping to reduce sizing errors or misalignments, especially in emergent or high‑throughput settings. Because it is non‑fenestrated, it prioritizes airway patency and simplicity over enabling spontaneous breathing through the upper airway; its uncuffed nature makes it better suited for patients who do not require high positive pressure ventilation. Overall, it balances ease of insertion, anatomical conformance, and minimal airway trauma in tracheostomy management.