2005 Volume 56 Issue 1 Pages 52-55
Patients with head and neck cancers often require use of a tracheal cannula due to stenosis of the permanent tracheostoma following total laryngectomy. When placed in a permanent tracheostoma, however, a cannula that is designed for a multi-purpose tracheotomy frequently presents a problem.
To resolve this difficulty, we developed a straight cannula that fits most permanent tracheostomas. We achieved a straight design by removing the curvature of a single cannula cuffed tracheostomy tube (Koken Co., Ltd.). To facilitate installation by the patient without assistance, silicone was used because it is softer than similar conventional products. By making the cannula slightly larger across, it no longer needs to be immobilized with a strap.
