IMPROVED MULTIPLE CANNULA SYSTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

A multiple cannula assembly for insertion into a patient comprise a flexible outer cannula having a proximal head including a connector and at least one ridge and having a stiffer tip portion and a stepped portion configured to reduce an outward bulge of a cuff. A flexible inner cannula having a proximal hub includes at least one protrusion engageable with the at least one ridge. The inner cannula is longitudinally insertable into the outer cannula to an insertion position with the hub proximate the head. The flexible inner cannula is made with PTFE and the inner cannula hub is rotatable to a locked position with the at least one protrusion under the at least one ridge upon rotation of the hub within the head from the insertion position. In a preferred arrangement, a high quality flexible tracheostomy tube assembly is provided in which the outer cannula is a tracheostomy cannula and the inner cannula is disposable. The assembly provides a single patient use, sterile device.