Inner cannula

Tracheostomy tubes inserted in hospital have an 'inner cannula'. This is a tube that sits inside the outer tube, it can be easily removed for cleaning. Inner cannulas should be checked and cleaned frequently to prevent any encrustation of the tube which may lead to infection or occlusion of the tube. Some inner tubes are disposable, check the manufacturers instructions to clarify.

Each bed space should have a spare inner cannula ready for use at all times. 

Inspect the inner cannula on changing and if secretions are hard to clean from the inner cannula, review humidification and consider patient hydration. 

Clean your inner cannula using sterile water and kapitex tracheostomy cleaning swabs as shown in the image: