Oxygen Delivery Devices

 There are three common means of oxygen delivery.

• A nasal cannula is a two-pronged device inserted in the nostrils  and it is connected to tubing carrying the oxygen from the oxygen equipment.
• Transtracheal oxygen therapy requires the insertion of a small flexible catheter in the trachea or windpipe. The transtracheal catheter is held in place by a necklace. Since transtracheal oxygen bypasses the mouth, nose, and throat, a humdifier is absolutely required at flow rates of 1 LPM or greater.
• People who need a high flow of oxygen generally use a mask.
• Tracheotomy is a surgical procedure in which an opening is made in the trachea and a tube is inserted. Oxygen can be delivered to the tracheotomy tube by masks or adapters that are directly connected to the tracheotomy tube.