Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracheostomy cannula with a small balloon or cuff (2) positioned posteriorly (or cranially) to the tube (1) which is consequently shorter. This tube (1) has a collar (5) that encircles the tube on its proximal portion and prevents air leakage through the stoma. The "cuff" (2) also may communicate with the environmental air by means of conduits (6) that may be flexible. Since the component structures of a cannula so formed progress only a small distance caudally into the trachea, some complications, if not completely avoided, are better guarded against. Thus, there is when using the present invention less stimulus to a coughing reflex. Moreover, its cleaning and that of the trachea are simpler, and a tracheo-innominate fistula will rarely occur.