Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn
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Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn · Feb 1989
Model of a new generation of tracheostomy and endotracheal tubes. A preliminary study of sensors to monitor obstruction.
The feasibility of monitoring cannula obstruction was studied by conversion of the electrical resistance of substances that are capable of causing obstruction into audible auditory signals. Copper-nickel-gold electrodes were thermal pressed onto polyimide-based flexible films placed as 1-mm wide strips along the inner surface of tracheostomy and endotracheal tubes. ⋯ Quantitative estimates of responses from the IC output were computer averaged. Instantaneous obstruction detection was made possible by the immediate responsiveness of the device in the presence of obstruction.