Tracheostomy tubes must be cleaned thoroughly every time before being inserted. Cleaning
is also recommended prior to first use if the tracheostomy tube is not supplied as a sterile
product!
EN
The neck flange respectively the funnel-shaped housing (retainer ring) must not be inserted
into the tracheostoma. Make sure that it is always outside the tracheostoma (see picture 2).
The tube must always be cleaned and, if necessary, disinfected as follows before re-
inserting according to the instructions provided below.
If secretion collects in the lumen of the Fahl
tracheostomy tube or stoma button and cannot
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be removed by coughing or aspiration, the tube should be removed and cleaned.
After cleaning and/or disinfection, carefully examine the Fahl
tracheostomy tube for sharp
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edges, cracks, or other signs of damage, since these may impair function and/or injure the
mucus membranes in the airways.
Never under any circumstances continue using damaged tracheostomy tubes.
When using Fahl
silicone tubes the products may become infected with yeast (Candida),
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bacteria and other pathogens, which may discolour the material and shorten its service life.
Should this occur, the tube must be replaced immediately.
If the tube material appears to be discoloured, discard the Fahl
silicone tube immediately.
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WARNING
Patients must be briefed by trained medical professionals in the safe use of the Fahl
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tracheostomy tubes.
1. Insertion of the tube
Step-by-step instructions to insert Fahl
tracheostomy tubes.
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Before application, users should clean their hands (see picture 3).
Remove tube from the package (see picture 4).
If you are inserting the tube yourself, use a mirror to make insertion of the Fahl
tracheostomy
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tube easier.
When inserting the Fahl
tracheostomy tube, hold it by the neck flange with one hand (see
®
picture 5).
Pull the tracheostoma slightly apart with your free hand to allow the tip of the tube to fit into
the tracheostoma more easily.
Special aids for dilating the tracheostoma are also available (tracheal dilator, REF 35500).
These allow the tracheostoma to be dilated gently and evenly, for instance also in emergency
situations with collapsing tracheostoma (see picture 6).
Make sure that the tube is not damaged by friction when using an instrument for assistance.
Now carefully insert the tube into the tracheostoma during the inspiration phase (while
breathing in) while tilting your head slightly back (see picture 7).
Advance the tube into the trachea.
Straighten your head once the tube has been inserted further into the trachea.
The tracheostomy tubes should always be attached with a special tube holder. This
stabilises the tube and thus ensures that the tracheostomy tube is securely seated in the
tracheostoma (see picture 1).
2. Removing the tube
CAUTION!
Accessories such as a tracheostoma valve or HME (Heat Moisture Exchanger) must
be removed first before proceeding to remove the Fahl
tracheostomy tube.
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CAUTION!
If the tracheostoma is unstable, or in emergency situations (puncture/dilation
tracheostomy), the tracheostoma can collapse after withdrawal of the tracheostomy
tube, thereby impairing air supply. A fresh tracheostomy tube must be kept ready for
use in such cases and must be quickly inserted if necessary. A tracheal dilator (REF
35500) can be used for temporarily securing the air supply.
Proceed very carefully to avoid injury to the mucus membranes.
The tube must always be cleaned and, if necessary, disinfected as follows before re-
inserting according to the instructions provided below.
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