Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications
Published on: March 15, 2024
Balloon-facilitated percutaneous dilational tracheostomy tube placement: preliminary report of a novel technique
Michael A Zgoda1, Rolando Berger
1University of Kentucky Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, 40536, USA. michael.zgoda@uky.edu
Objective:
To describe a novel technique for percutaneous tracheotomy (PT) that could be an alternative to current dilational techniques.
Design:
An observational animal study of PT was performed using the Seldinger guide wire technique with a tracheostomy tube preloaded onto a dilational balloon catheter. A small skin incision was done with an 11-blade scalpel, but no blunt subcutaneous tissue dissection was performed.
Setting:
Animal laboratory in a university hospital.
Subjects:
Seven adult pigs (approximate weight, 16 to 21 kg).
Measurements And Results:
Successful tracheostomy was accomplished in all seven pigs without apparent complication. Vital signs and oximetry results remained unchanged throughout the procedure. The mean duration of the procedure was 5.5 min from tracheal puncture to ventilation.
Conclusion:
This novel procedure is a simple and effective means of PT tube placement without subcutaneous tissue dissection and could potentially have decreased complications when compared to the standard methods of PT currently employed in humans. Human studies are pending.
Related Concept Videos
Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Endotracheal Intubation I: Procedure
The ET tube comprises various components, including a standard adaptor to attach a bag-valve-mask (BVM) or ventilator, a cuff, a pilot balloon, and radiopaque markings along its length to measure the insertion distance. The tube sizes...
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure

