Biomedizinische Technik. Biomedical engineering
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We describe an innovative computer-based method for the analysis of gas flow using a modified airway management technique to perform percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) with a rigid tracheotomy endoscope (TED). A test lung was connected via an artificial trachea with the tracheotomy endoscope and ventilated using superimposed high-frequency jet ventilation. Red packed cells were instilled during the puncture phase of a simulated percutaneous tracheotomy in a trachea model and migration of the red packed cells during breathing was continuously measured. ⋯ Under the conditions investigated there is no risk of blood aspiration during PDT using the TED and simultaneous ventilation with SHFJV. In addition, no risk of impairment of endoscopic visibility exists through a backflow of blood into the TED. The method of numerical simulation offers excellent insight into the fluid flow even under highly transient conditions like jet ventilation.