Fahl Duratwix Mode D'emploi page 28

The outer cannula must only be cleaned with the cuff inflated, and the safety balloon must
not come into contact with the cleaning solution in order to prevent intrusion of cleaning
solution into the balloon, since this would lead to serious functional impairment and health
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risks for the user.
In tracheostomy tubes with speaking valve, the speaking valve must first be detached
from the inner cannula. The valve itself must not be cleaned with the brush since it could
otherwise be damaged or break off.
Thoroughly rinse the tube or button under lukewarm running water or sterile saline solution
(0.9% NaCl solution).
Dry the tube thoroughly with a clean and lint-free cloth after wet cleaning.
Never use tracheostomy tubes with impaired functionality or with damages such as sharp
edges or cracks, because this may lead to injuries of the mucus membranes in the trachea.
If damages are found, the tube must not be used under any circumstances.
The obturator can be cleaned in the same way as the tracheostomy tube.
Cleaning the tracheostomy tubes with low-pressure cuff
The indwelling time and thus the replacement intervals of the tracheostomy tube
must be determined individually in consultation with the treating doctor/physician.
The outer cannula must be cleaned or the tracheostomy tube replaced after 1 week
at the latest though, since after that the risk of formation of granulation tissue or of
tracheomalacia, etc. can increase significantly, depending on the patient's disease
condition.
The outer cannula with cuff can be cleaned/rinsed with sterile saline solution.
A brush must not be used for tracheostomy tubes with cuff in order to avoid damaging the
balloon!
Damage to the balloon and hence a defect of the tracheostomy tube can only be avoided
by careful and gentle handling.
2. Chemical Disinfection Instructions
2.1 Disinfecting the inner cannula / cleaning the outer cannula without low-pressure
cuff
The Fahl tracheostomy tube can be disinfected by cold disinfection with special chemical
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disinfectants.
Disinfection should always be done if ordered by a doctor/physician due to specific health
concerns caused by disease, infection, or your specific situation.
Disinfecting is generally indicated to prevent cross-infection and in inpatient situations (e.g.
hospitals, nursing homes, and/or other health care facilities) to limit infections.
CAUTION
Always clean according to the cleaning procedure described above before proceeding
to disinfection (if applicable).
Disinfectants that release chlorine or that contain strong alkalis or phenol derivatives
must under no circumstances be used. This could badly damage or even destroy the
tracheostomy tube.
2.2 Disinfecting the outer cannula with low-pressure cuff
Tracheostomy tubes with low-pressure cuff may only be disinfected provided that this is
performed and checked with utmost care. The balloon must always be inflated beforehand.
Since even minor carelessness during disinfection of outer cannulas with low-pressure cuff
can lead to damage and functional impairment of the same, we recommend replacement of
the cannula instead of disinfection.
Disinfection steps
For this purpose, OPTICIT tube disinfectant (REF 31180; not available in the USA) should
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be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
As alternative, we recommend a disinfectant based on glutaric aldehyde as active ingredient
(also available in the USA). Always observe the area of application and spectrum of activity
specified for the disinfectant by the manufacturer.
Follow the instructions for the disinfectant.
Dry the tube thoroughly with a clean and lint-free cloth after wet cleaning.
3. Sterilisation / Autoclaving
Resterilisation is not allowed.
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