title: Measurement of tracheal humidity and temperature.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Liener
authors.forename: Jochen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Durr
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Leiacker
authors.forename: Ajnacska
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rozsasi
authors.forename: Tilman
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Keck
mesh_terms: 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