Pressure-Flow Characteristics of Needles Suggested for Transtracheal Resuscitation

Abstract
RESUSCITATION of patients with upper-airway obstruction by means of small-bore needles inserted percutaneously into the trachea has been suggested.1 , 2 A recent experience in a two-and-a-half-year-old child with severe laryngotracheitis in whom resuscitation was attempted with a No. 18 needle, with a serious delay in the establishment of an adequate airway, inspired an examination of the pressure-flow characteristics of needles that have been designed or might be used for this type of resuscitation. The results of the study are reported and briefly discussed.MethodsFlow rates through the needles were measured with a Krogh spirometer recording via a rotational transducer§ and . . .