[Tracheal conditioning in patients with tracheal stoma]

The main cause of respiratory problems after permanent tracheostomy is the functional loss of the nose with its cleansing, warming, and humidifying effect on inspiratory air. In this pilot study a device for detection of tracheal heat and moisture in patients with permanent tracheal stoma was tested.

Patients with permanent tracheal stoma and after laryngectomy were chozen as study participants. Tracheal heat and moisture was measured in the tracheal airway using a miniaturized thermocouple and a humidity sensor which was connected to a suction system. The measurement device was tested after performing different breathing manoeuvres and use of heat and moisture exchangers (HME).

Measurement of tracheal temperature and humidity was feasible in all patients with permanent tracheal stoma. The experimental system proved suitable to detect significant changes in tracheal climate after short-time use of a stoma filter for humidity and temperature elevation within the tracheal lumen.

Additional clinical investigations on tracheal conditioning using this detection device will be conducted at this department.