The use of a portable capnometer as a tracheostomy monitor in an animal model

Home care of a tracheostomy patient in the pediatric age group is a challenging problem. Accidental decannulation is always a potential hazard in children with tracheostomies. The most effective monitoring system in these individuals is an experienced, alert observer. Unfortunately, caretakers cannot be expected to provide constant surveillance. Because of this, various types of mechanical monitoring systems have been developed for patients with tracheostomies. An animal model was employed to investigate the reliability of a portable capnometer in assessing the status of a tracheostomy tube under varying experimental conditions. The capnometer was found to be a reliable tool and it will now be evaluated in the clinical setting.