Measurement of tracheal humidity and temperature

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. Objectives: 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. Copyright (C) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.