Nasal cannula

The nasal cannula is a device used in the hospital, in a pre-hospital setting, or at home to deliver supplemental oxygen to a patient or person in need of extra oxygen. This device consists of a plastic tube which fits behind the ears, and a set of two prongs which are placed in the nose or nares. Oxygen flows from these prongs. The nasal cannula is connected to an oxygen tank, a portable oxygen generator, or to a wall connection in a hospital via a flowmeter. The nasal cannula flows from one liter per minute to 6 liters per minute of oxygen. There are also infant or neonatal nasal cannulas which flow less than one liter per minute; these also have smaller prongs. The oxygen percentage provided to the patient ranges from 24% oxygen to approximately 35%.

The nasal cannula was invented by Wilfred Jones and patented in 1949 by his employer, BOC.

Administration
Nasal cannula is used in oxygen therapy. The nasal cannula (NC) is a thin tube with two small nozzles that protrude into the patients nostrils. It can only provide oxygen at low flow rates, 2-6 litres per minute (LPM), delivering a concentration of 28-44%. It is often used in elderly patients, or patients who can benefit from oxygen therapy but do not require it to the degree of wearing an uncomfortable mask. It is especially useful in those patients where vasoconstriction could negatively impact their condition, such as those suffering from strokes, or "brain attacks." Use of the NC at relatively high rates can cause discomfort by drying the nasal passages.