What Is A Nasal Cannula
Apr 18, 2020
What is a nasal cannula
Nasal cannula (NC) is a device used to deliver supplemental oxygen or increase airflow to patients or patients who need breathing assistance. The device consists of a lightweight tube, one end of which is divided into two prongs, which are inserted into the nostrils, through which a mixture of air and oxygen flows. The other end of the tube is connected to an oxygen source (such as a portable oxygen generator) or a wall connection in a hospital through a flow meter. The cannula is usually attached to the patient through a tube hook around the patient's ear or through an elastic headband. The earliest and most widely used form of adult nasal cannula is to carry 1-3 liters of oxygen per minute.
Cannulas with smaller pins for infants or newborns can carry less than one liter of liquid per minute. Up to 60 liters of air / oxygen flow per minute can be delivered through a wider humidified nasal catheter.
The nasal cannula was invented by Wilfred Jones and patented by its employer, BOC, in 1949.