Measurement of tracheal humidity and temperature.
BACKGROUND
After tracheostomy, patients often present with chest complaints. Measurement of objective parameters of the tracheal climate is important to evaluate 'artificial noses' or humidifying devices.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to present an experimental setup for measurement of tracheal temperature and humidity for possible use in clinical studies in tracheotomized patients.


METHODS
The study design was a prospective study. Patients with tracheal stoma were chosen as study participants. Tracheal temperature and humidity during the respiratory cycle were measured using a miniaturized thermocouple and a humidity sensor connected to a suction system.


RESULTS
Accurate measurement of tracheal temperature and humidity was feasible in patients with tracheal stoma. Tracheal humidity and temperature values measured in this study were similar to values reported earlier by other working groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The experimental setup presented may reliably be used in the evaluation of 'artificial noses' or other passive humidifiers in tracheotomized patients.
Liener
Kristina
K
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
Durr
Jochen
J
Leiacker
Richard
R
Rozsasi
Ajnacska
A
Keck
Tilman
T
D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013821:Thermometers; D014132:Trachea / Q000502:physiology*; D014139:Tracheostomy