Use of modified silicone tracheal cannula for obstructive sleep apnea.

Experience with the original Montgomery silicone tracheal cannulas in 47 patients with obstructive sleep apnea has been reported. Further experience with 10 obstructive sleep apnea patients who used modified silicone tracheal cannulas that permit periodic self-removal, cleaning, and reinsertion was analyzed. Two patients used the tube briefly and without complications. The remaining eight patients used the modified cannula for 18 to 24 months. The average number of office visits following insertion was three. Compared to the original cannulas, there were markedly fewer difficulties with granulations, infection, and tube malposition with the modified cannulas. The improvements make this modified device a useful tool worth further study in obstructive sleep apnea patients requiring tracheostomy.