Visualization and Analysis of the Role of an Inflated Tracheostomy Tube Cuff in the Human: A Preliminary Study

This study aimed to reconstruct ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional CT images of tracheostomy tubes, including the shaft, flange, inflation line, and cuff, with a particular focus on examining the degree and fold formation of the inflated tracheostomy tube cuffs within the human trachea.

All ten patients were inserted with a cuffed tracheostomy tube, and the cuff pressure was maintained at approximately 25 cmH₂O intra-cuff pressure using a pressure gauge. The levels of the inserted tracheostomy tube, the degree of inflation of the tracheostomy tube cuffs, the folds of the cuff, and the location of the distal tip of the tracheostomy tube.

In this study, the pressure of the tracheostomy tube cuff was managed at an intracuff pressure; however, the degree of inflation of the tracheostomy tube cuffs and the form of the cuff folds inserted into the human trachea differed in each case. The distance between the skin and the tracheal anterior wall and the BMI value were associated with the inflation of the tracheostomy tube cuffs.

In cases with distances greater than 25 mm between the skin and the tracheal anterior wall, we think it may be better to use other methods, such as tracheal fenestration, rather than simple tracheostomy. Examination of the size of the tracheostomy tube inserted into the human trachea, the degree of inflation of the tracheostomy tube cuff, and the position of the distal tip of the tracheostomy tube may help in the selection of an appropriate tracheostomy tube clinically.