Changing a Portex Inner Cannula: A Step-by-Step Guide

A Portex tracheostomy tube, which is placed in a surgical opening, or tracheostomy, in the front of the neck, has a removable inner sleeve called an inner cannula. Inner cannulas are available in a variety of sizes to match the sizes of tracheostomy tubes. They can be disposable or reusable. Learning how to change a Portex tracheostomy tube's inner cannula can decrease a patient's mucus buildup, increase her hygiene and ease her breathing.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Clean towel
• Non-sterile disposable gloves
• Sterile gloves

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands with soap and water. Dry your clean hands with a clean towel, and then put on non-sterile disposable gloves.

• 2

  Hold the neck plate of the tracheostomy tube with the thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand. This helps to keep the outer part of the tracheostomy tube steady during the procedure.

• 3

  Remove the inner cannula by grasping the ring on it end with your dominant hand. Gently pull forward using a downward motion. Do not twist the inner cannula during its removal.

• 4

  Discard the inner cannula in a plastic bag if the inner cannula is disposable . If the inner cannula is reusable, clean it by following Portex's instructions.

• 5

  Remove the non-sterile disposable gloves, and wash your hands with soap and water. Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel. Open the package of your new Portex inner cannula, careful not to touch the inner cannula with your bare hands. Put on sterile gloves.

• 6

  Hold the replacement inner cannula by its end ring. With your non-dominant hand, hold the neck plate of the tracheostomy tube steady. Slide the new inner cannula straight in until you feel it snap into place.