Terminology

Cannula, Inner: Removable inner tube that acts as a passageway for airflow and secretion removal

Cannula, Outer: The external tube that is inserted into the trachea through a surgical or percutaneous opening. It provides an artificial passage for breathing and may house an inner cannula

Cap: The white 15mm cap is used only with the Fenestrated (hole) inner cannula. ( 15 mm Connector). The cap will block all expired and inspired air through the tube. This allows breathing to be forced through the mouth and nose, allowing speech.

Cartilage: Tough, elastic tissue forming parts of the trachea.

Connector, 15 mm: A part of the inner cannula that secures the outer cannula to the inner cannula. This adapts to respiratory equipment like a ventilator

Connector, Low A part of the inner cannula designed to reduce tube protrusion at the Profile neck. This is not compatible with respiratory equipment

Connector, Snap- Part of the inner cannula which is disposed of after each use.

Lock Used fro respiratory equipment and to secure the inner cannula to the outer cannula.

Connector, Twist- a 15 mm connector that attaches the inner cannula of the Lock tracheostomy tube to the outer cannula by twisting in place.

Cuff: Balloon – like component, that when inflated with air, acts as a seal to eliminate or reduce airflow through the mouth and nose. With the cuff inflated, breathing will be directed through the tracheostomy tube.

Cuffed Tube: A tracheostomy tube that has a cuff which, when inflated with air, acts as a seal to eliminate or reduce airflow through the mouth and nose. With an inflated cuff, you will breath only through your tracheostomy tube.

Cuffless Tube: A tracheostomy tube without a cuff that allows airflow through the mouth, nose and trachesostomy.

Decannulation Plug: Also known as DCP ( decannulation plug) or DDCP (disposable decannulation plug)

DCP attaches to the outer cannula of a fenestrated tracheostomy tube when the inner cannula has been removed. Blocks airflow through the tracheostomy tube and directs breathing through the nose and mouth

Deflation: Collapse by removing air or gas

DIC: Disposable inner cannula

Encrustation: Hardened build-up of mucous formations

Fenestrated Inner Removable inner tube with a hole (fenestration) that permits air to Cannula: pass through the outer tube hole(s), (fenestration) up past the vocal cords and exit the mouth and nose, allowing speech. It can be easily identified by a green 15 mm connector and hole, in the curved part of the body of the tube. It should not be used with mechanical ventilation .

Fenestration: A hole(s) in the cannula that allows air to be directed past the vocal cords and through the mouth and nose.

Inflation line: Thin plastic line connected to cuff, pilot balloon and luer valve, which allows the cuff to be filled with air

P-V Gauge: The digital P-V Gauge is a precision electronic pressure measurement device that helps accurately set and monitor cuff pressure to help minimize trachea damage

Pilot Ballon: Plastic sac-like component connected to the inflation line and Luer Valve, which acts as an indicator for the amount of air pressure within the cuff

Single Use Only For one-time use only. Do not re-clean, resterilize or re-use

SIC: Spare Inner Cannula

Swivel Neck Plate: The swivel neck plate provides information about the size and type of tube. The neck plate with the tracheostomy ties properly attached helps to secure the tube to the patient's neck. The swivel assists the tube to be positioned properly in the trachea

Tissue Ingrowth: Growth of tissue into the hole(s) (fenestrations) of a tracheostomy tube

Tracheal Stoma: An opening in the neck that forms an additional path for airflow to the lungs, usually bypassing the mouth and nose

Tracheal Wall: Mucosal lining of the trachea

Tracheostomy: Creation of a surgical opening through the lower neck and trachea to make breathing easier

Tracheostomy tube: An artificial breathing tube inserted into the surgical opening in the trachea

Tracheotomy: Surgical incision into the trachea