In order to make automatic suctioning of sputum in tracheotomy patients possible, the suctioning device includes a tracheal cannula having an external cannula and an internal cannula guided therein. The internal cannula is formed with suction openings for internal suctioning and is spaced apart from the external cannula to form a suction chamber. The suction chamber is connected to a suction connection, by way of which a suction apparatus can be connected. As an alternative, or in addition, the external cannula has additional suction openings for external suction in the region of a cuff. In this way, automated suctioning of sputum in patients, in particular in a gentle manner, is made possible.