T-piece
A T-shaped breathing circuit adapter used to provide continuous positive airway pressure or deliver oxygen to patients with artificial airways.
Full Definition
A T-piece, also known as a T-tube or Briggs adapter, is a T-shaped breathing circuit connector used in respiratory care to deliver humidified oxygen or provide continuous positive airway pressure to patients with tracheostomies or endotracheal tubes. The device consists of three ports: one connects to the patient's artificial airway, another to the oxygen source, and the third serves as an exhalation port. T-pieces are commonly used during weaning trials, for patients requiring supplemental oxygen through artificial airways, or as part of spontaneous breathing assessments. They allow patients to breathe spontaneously while maintaining connection to humidified gas sources.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate; distinguish from Y-piece connectors used in ventilator circuits.
In Context
- "The patient was placed on a T-piece trial for four hours to assess readiness for decannulation." — Weaning assessment
- "Connect the T-piece to provide humidified oxygen at 6 L/min through the tracheostomy tube." — Equipment setup instruction