LAB E: SURGICAL EQUIPMENT AIRWAYS

Question 1

Describe why a tracheostomy tube may have an inner cannula.

Answer 1

*Allows for cleaning secretions/blood from interior surface of artificial airway, w/o having to remove artificual airway device.

*Inner lumen is a beneficial feature in a long-term airway.

Question 2

What is the purpose of the “obturator” and how is it used?

Answer 2

*It acts to round the blunt end of the tube.

*Facilitates easier insertion of trach tube through the surgical incision.

*Once tube is inserted, the obturator is immediately removed so trach tube is patient for the patient to breeathe through.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a single cannula tracheostomy tube?

Answer 3

Used for patients with low secretion levels.

• Used for shorter term, no dual cannula.
• Lower incidence of tube obstruction with dual cannula.
• Tracheostomy tube that has inner cannula that can be removed + exchange or cleaned is attractive safety feature.
• Added convenience to long-term artificial airway.