What Is An Inner Cannula?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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An inner cannula is

a removable and generally reusable inner tube that fits within the main “outer lumen” of a tracheostomy tube

. The ability to change an inner cannula in the event of tube occlusion may enable the blocked inner cannula to be removed, with subsequent maintenance of the outer tube’s lumen.

What is the purpose of the inner cannula?

Inner Cannula: The inner cannula fits inside the trach tube and acts as a liner. This liner

can be removed and cleaned to help prevent the build-up of mucus inside the trach tube

. The inner cannula locks into place to prevent accidental removal.

Can you clean a disposable inner cannula?

Soak the reusable inner cannula in the bowl of solution of normal saline and hydrogen peroxide, or as instructed by your healthcare provider.

Disposable inner cannulas don’t need to be cleaned

, because they are meant to be used only one time. … Clean the inner cannula with a trach tube brush.

How is a tracheostomy removed from the inner cannula?

  1. Wash your hands.
  2. Place 1/2 strength peroxide solution in one bowl and sterile salt water in second bowl.
  3. Remove the inner cannula while holding the neck plate of the trach still.
  4. Place inner cannula in peroxide solution and soak until crusts are softened or removed.

Does a tracheostomy require an inner cannula?


Tracheostomy tubes often have an ‘inner cannula

‘ or ‘inner tube’. This is a tube within the outer tube which can be removed and cleaned easily, without having to change the whole (outer) tracheostomy tube. Inner cannulae do narrow the tracheotomy tube which can make it harder to breathe through.

How often should the inner cannula be changed?

An accredited nurse will change the tracheostomy tube inner cannula at least

once every 8 hours

. The inner cannula may be changed more frequently as indicated.

Do you remove inner cannula before suctioning?

When suctioning through a tracheostomy tube with an

inner cannula, do not remove the cannula

. The inner cannula remains in place during suctioning so that the outer cannula does not collect secretions. If oropharyngeal or nasal suctioning is required, complete after tracheal suctioning. Discard suction catheter.

How do you sterilize a tracheostomy tube?

  1. Fill clean pot with water. Bring water to rolling boil on stove. …
  2. Immediately place trach tube, obturator, and wedge into water. Cover pot with lid and allow water to cool.
  3. Wash work surface and cover with clean towel. Place all items on the clean towel and allow to air dry completely.

How do you lock an inner cannula?

Gently remove the inner cannula. Place it in the basin holding the half strength hydrogen peroxide. Immediately put the clean inner cannula into the trach.

Turn the clean inner cannula

so the blue dots line up to lock it in place (Picture 2).

How do you clean Shiley inner cannula?

Place the soiled inner cannula in a small clean bowl containing sterile water. Allow to soak and then use a

small, non- abrasive brush

to gently remove the mucus. Air dry the inner cannula by gently shaking it. After cleaning, rinse the inner cannula thoroughly with sterile water.

When can we remove tracheostomy tube?

The tracheostomy tube should be removed

as soon as is feasible

and therefore should be downsized as quickly as possible. This allows the patient to resume breathing through the upper airway and reduces dependence (psychological and otherwise) on the lesser resistance of the tracheostomy tube.

What is the difference between cuffed and uncuffed Trach?

Tracheostomy tubes can be cuffed or uncuffed. Uncuffed tubes

allow airway clearance but provide no protection from aspiration

. Cuffed tracheostomy tubes allow secretion clearance and offer some protection from aspiration, and positive-pressure ventilation can be more effectively applied when the cuff is inflated.

How much time do you allow between suctioning?

Allow patient to rest in between suction for

30 seconds to 1 minute

.

Can you breathe on your own with a tracheostomy?

a tracheostomy. Usually air enters through the mouth and nose, goes through the windpipe and into the lungs. In cases with an injury or a blockage to the windpipe, a tracheostomy tube can bypass the damaged part of the windpipe and

allow a person to continue to breathe on their own

.

Is a tracheostomy better than a ventilator?

Outcomes. Early tracheotomy was associated with improvement in three major clinical outcomes: ventilator-associated pneumonia (40% reduction in risk),

ventilator-

free days (1.7 additional days off the ventilator, on average) and ICU stay (6.3 days shorter time in unit, on average).

What is the quality of life after a tracheostomy?

The median survival after

tracheostomy was 21 months

(range, 0-155 months). The survival rate was 65% by 1 year and 45% by 2 years after tracheostomy. Survival was significantly shorter in patients older than 60 years at tracheostomy, with a hazard ratio of dying of 2.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.9).

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.