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UW Health SMPH

Nasal Cannula

A nasal cannula is a flexible plastic tube that has a set of two prongs that can be placed in the nostrils. The tube is connected to an oxygen source.

Oxygen passes through the tube, through the openings in the prongs, and into the nostrils.

Last Revised: April 27, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Jennifer Merchant, MD - Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

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