An animal tissue simulation assessing three directional displacement forces on five common tracheostomy securing...

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Surgical Techniques
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Various methods exist for securing tracheostomy tubes, including ties, tapes, and sutures.
• Objective, wet lab-based studies quantifying displacement forces for different securing techniques are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To objectively compare the forces required to displace tracheostomy tubes secured with different methods using an animal tissue model.
• To identify the most effective tracheostomy tube securing technique based on displacement resistance.

Main Methods:

• A simulated tracheostomy stoma was created on a sheep neck model.
• Tracheostomy tubes were secured using various methods (ties, sutures).
• Tension tests were performed to measure displacement forces, with each technique repeated six times.

Main Results:

• Medially placed sutures demonstrated the highest resistance to displacement compared to other methods.
• Any suture technique required greater displacement force than the standard tracheostomy tube holder strap.
• Lateral displacement of the tube required the least force compared to perpendicular or oblique angles.

Conclusions:

• Suture-based methods provide superior security against tracheostomy tube displacement compared to standard straps.
• Medial suture placement offers the greatest resistance to displacement.
• Understanding displacement dynamics is crucial for optimizing tracheostomy tube security and patient safety.