Measurement of tracheal pressures in tracheostomized patients

Abstract

Tracheal pressure (TP) is an accessible and easy-to-measure tool in tracheostomized patients. It represents the intratracheal pressure at the distal end of the tracheostomy tube and in areas adjacent to the fenestrations. Its measurement provides objective information that can guide the need to reduce the outer diameter of the tracheostomy tube and determine whether to occlude the tube or use a speaking valve during the decannulation process. High TP values could correlate with airway pathologies. The following study technically describes how to measure these pressures and the elements required for recording them.