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Nasal cannula

A nasal cannula is a flexible plastic tube with two prong-shaped openings that can be placed in the nostrils to deliver oxygen to the body through the nose. Oxygen (usually from a moist, humidified source) passes through the tube and into the nostrils.

Author Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Denele Ivins
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD
- Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kimberly Dow, MD, FRCPC
- Neonatology
Last Updated May 15, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 15, 2007
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