Use of the inner cannula
Tutorial presented by Emma Forster, Tracheostomy Nurse Consultant
In this tutorial, Emma covers the use and management of the inner cannula in a double lumen tracheostomy tube, divided into three sections: the importance of the inner cannula, daily care, and the role of Primary Care Clinicians.
Importance of the Inner Cannula: The inner cannula is essential for keeping the tracheostomy tube clear of secretions without removing the entire tube, helping to prevent blockages. Regular changes (every 8 hours or patient-specific intervals) are crucial, especially for patients with thick or high volumes of secretions.
Practical Care: The inner cannula should be cleaned with warm tap water or cool boiled water, dried, and stored in an airtight container. A clean cannula must be inserted immediately after removing the used one to maintain airway patency. Brushes should not be used to clean cannulas, as they may scratch the plastic. Signs of infection (thick, discolored secretions or odor) should prompt further investigation, like a sputum sample.
Role of Primary Care Clinicians: Clinicians should assess how daily care practices, like cannula cleaning frequency, affect a patient’s condition. Repeated blockages, infections, or signs of granulation tissue (especially in fenestrated tubes) may require adjustments in care frequency or referrals to ENT.
Use of the inner cannula
Tutorial presented by Emma Forster, Tracheostomy Nurse Consultant
In this tutorial, Emma covers the use and management of the inner cannula in a double lumen tracheostomy tube, divided into three sections: the importance of the inner cannula, daily care, and the role of Primary Care Clinicians.
Importance of the Inner Cannula: The inner cannula is essential for keeping the tracheostomy tube clear of secretions without removing the entire tube, helping to prevent blockages. Regular changes (every 8 hours or patient-specific intervals) are crucial, especially for patients with thick or high volumes of secretions.
Practical Care: The inner cannula should be cleaned with warm tap water or cool boiled water, dried, and stored in an airtight container. A clean cannula must be inserted immediately after removing the used one to maintain airway patency. Brushes should not be used to clean cannulas, as they may scratch the plastic. Signs of infection (thick, discolored secretions or odor) should prompt further investigation, like a sputum sample.
Role of Primary Care Clinicians: Clinicians should assess how daily care practices, like cannula cleaning frequency, affect a patient’s condition. Repeated blockages, infections, or signs of granulation tissue (especially in fenestrated tubes) may require adjustments in care frequency or referrals to ENT.
