How to Know if a Trach Cannula Is Disposable or Not

A tracheostomy tube is a curved tube that is inserted into a surgically created hole in the neck, known as a stoma. The tube consists of three separate parts that must be fastidiously cleaned and monitored to decrease the chance of infection. The parts include the outer cannula, inner cannula and oberator. There are many different types of tubes available, and the type chosen depends upon the patient's needs. The inner cannula locks into the outer cannula and acts as a line for the tubing. Inner cannulas can be disposable or reusable depending upon the needs of the patient.

Instructions

• 1

  Speak with your primary care physician. The physician will direct care and treatment of all tracheostomy sites.

• 2

  Inspect the tube packaging. Look up the manufacturer and tube type on the Internet. Contact the manufacturer for further intended use instructions.

• 3

  Inspect the outside of the tracheostomy cannula. If the cannula has the letters DIC imprinted on the side of the cannula or the lip the tube is intended for disposable use. DIC stands for disposable inner cannula.