Application of self-made adjustable tracheal cannula in obese patients with tracheotomy

Abstract

Objective To explore the efficacy of self-made adjustable tracheal cannula in obese patients with tracheotomy. Methods A corresponding model of tracheal cannula was taken and cut with a length of 16 cm. It is noted that the inflation catheter of the airbag should not be broken. A further trim was done along the longitudinal side of the inflation catheter. The inflation catheter was retained. A rubber cork from a nutrient solution bottle was chosen, and a hole was trimmed with the same length of the diameter of the tracheal cannula, through which the tracheal cannula was put. A disposal oxygen mask was trimmed into two wings like a butterfly, the middle of which was made into a hole with the same length of the diameter of the tracheal cannula. Two rectangular holes were made on the two wings in order to fit the rubber cork. The fixed wings of and rubber cork were put together through sutures. The other end of the tracheal cannula was cut and put on a connector and sterilized with ethylene oxide in the supply room. The intraoperative method was the same as the conventional tracheotomy. After the cannula was inserted, the length of the cannula was adjusted by moving the rubber cork up and down according to the obesity of the patient′s neck. Results Compared with regular tracheal cannula, the self-made adjustable tracheal cannula could be easily inserted into the trachea of patients no matter how obese their necks were. It could be connected to ventilator, keep patient′s airway clear and effectively drain phlegm. No slippage was observed in our practice. It was simple, accessible and lower in cost. Conclusions The application of self-made adjustable tracheal cannula in obese patients with tracheotomy can meet the clinical therapeutic needs, and it also proves to be affordable for patients. Key words: Tracheotomy; Tracheal cannula; Obesity