Fahl DURACUFF Manual De Instrucciones página 27

If necessary, for example, if persistent secretion residues cannot be removed by the cleaning 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.
EN
Always insert the cannula cleaning brush into the cannula from the cannula tip (see picture 11).
Use the brush as directed and proceed with great care to avoid damage to the soft tube material.
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 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 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.
Disinfection steps
For this purpose, OPTICIT
tube disinfectant (REF 31180; not available in the USA) should 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.
CAUTION!
Heating to over 65°C, disinfection with boiling water or steam sterilisation are not allowed and
lead to damage of the tracheostomy tube.
X. STORAGE/CARE
Currently not used and cleaned tubes should be stored in a clean plastic container, dry environment
away from dust, sunlight and heat.
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