Ventilation through a mini-tracheostomy. An experimental study in pigs.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the function of mini-tracheostomy as a means of emergency ventilation. Piglets were manually ventilated with a revivator through a mini-tracheostomy tube. In five out of seven experiments good oxygenation was upheld but hypercarbia could not be avoided. If the insertion opening in the trachea was too big, ventilation was not possible. The mini-tracheostomy tube can be used in an emergency situation for oxygenation. However, training is recommended.