Fahl SILVERVENT Mode D'emploi page 17

General cleaning may be insufficient to meet the special hygiene requirements to
prevent infections for patients with specific problems (e.g. MRSA, ORSA etc.), who
are subject to an increased danger of re-infection. We recommend disinfection of the
tubes according to the instructions provided below. Please consult your physician.
EN
CAUTION!
Cleaning agent and disinfectant residues on the tracheostomy tube can lead to irrita-
tions of the mucus membranes or other health impairments.
Tracheostomy tubes are considered as belonging to the category of instruments with hollow
cavities. Special care must therefore be taken when performing cleaning or disinfection that
the tube is fully wetted with the solution used and is unobstructed (see picture 8).
The solutions used for cleaning and disinfection must be freshly prepared prior to each use.
1. Cleaning
Fahl tracheostomy tubes must be cleaned / replaced regularly in accordance with the in-
®
dividual patient's needs.
Only use cleaning agents if the tube is outside the tracheostoma.
A mild, pH-neutral washing lotion can be used for cleaning the tube. We recommend using
the special cannula-cleaning powder (REF 31100) as directed by the manufacturer.
Never clean the Fahl tracheostomy tube with cleaning agents that are not approved by the
®
manufacturer. Never use aggressive house-hold cleaners, detergents, high-concentration
alcohol or denture cleaners.
This may be very hazardous to health. The tube may also be destroyed or damaged.
The silver tracheostomy tubes should not be placed in physiological saline solution,
as discolourations (silver chloride) can form after longer contact.
Cleaning Steps
Remove any additional items before cleaning.
The inner cannula must also be removed from the outer cannula.
The inner cannula is to be cleaned in the same manner as the outer cannula.
First rinse the tube or button under lukewarm running water (see picture 9).
Use only lukewarm water to prepare the cleaning solution and observe the instructions for
use of the cleaning agent.
We recommend the use of the cannula-cleaning tub with sieve insert (REF 31200) to facili-
tate the cleaning procedure.
Hold the sieve insert by the top edge to prevent contact with and contamination of the clea-
ning solution (see picture 10).
Place only one tube or button at a time in the sieve insert of the cannula-cleaning tub. if more
than one tube is cleaned at a time, they may be compressed too strongly and damaged by
excessive pressure.
You can place the inner and outer cannula side by side for this procedure.
Immerse the sieve insert with the tracheostomy tube components in the prepared cleaning
solution.
After the immersion time has expired (see instructions for use of the cannula cleaning pow-
der), wash the tracheostomy tube thoroughly several times with lukewarm, clear water (see
picture 9). There ust be no residues of the cleaning agent on the tube when it is inserted
into the tracheostoma.
If necessary, for example, if persistent secretion residues cannot be removed by the clea-
ning bath, additional cleaning with a special cannula-cleaning brush (OPTIBRUSH , REF
®
31850 or OPTIBRUSH Plus with fibre top, REF 31855) may help. Only use the cleaning
®
brush, if the tube is removed and already outside the tracheostoma.
Always insert the brush into the tube from the tube top (see picture 11).
Use the brush as directed and proceed with great care to avoid damage to the soft tube
material.
In tracheostomy tubes with speaking valve, the speaking valve must first be detached.
The valve itself must not be cleaned with the brush since it could otherwise be damaged
or break off.
Thoroughly rinse the tracheostomy tube under lukewarm running water.
Dry the tube thoroughly with a clean and lint-free cloth after wet cleaning.
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