A tracheal cannula is the most common method of connecting an animal to a ventilator. This ‘Vee’ form tracheal cannula is normally preferred because it minimizes air/gas ‘dead space’. This tracheal cannula consists of two parts which are offered separately: a
cannula vee and a cannula nozzle. The cannula vee is offered in two sizes, small and large.
The nozzles are available in various sizes. They screw onto the vee, and a neoprene O-ring seals the joint. For tracheal cannula selection there are two basic considerations:
• The outside diameter of the cannula vee must approximately match the outside diameter of the ports of the ventilator to ensure a tight fit of the tubing
• The outside diameter of the nozzle of the cannula must ensure a tight fit to the inside diameter of the animal’s trachea. For the inside diameters of tracheas of various animals.
These tracheal cannulae are constructed of heavily nickel-plated brass. The cannula vees and cannula nozzles must be ordered separately.