Premium
Influence of passive humidification on respiratory heat loss in tracheotomized patients
Author(s) -
Rozsasi Ajnacska,
Leiacker Richard,
Fischer Yvonne,
Keck Tilman
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.20376
Subject(s) - medicine , respiratory system , airway , heat exchanger , ventilation (architecture) , humidity , anesthesia , thermodynamics , physics
Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in total respiratory heat loss during use of a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) in tracheotomized patients. Methods. Tracheal humidity and temperature were measured before the application and during use of the HME (plastic foam impregnated with CaCl 2 ), and total respiratory heat loss was calculated. Results. No significant difference was found between the convective heat exchange before and after use of the HME for a 10‐minute period. When the HME was placed on the tracheal opening, the evaporative heat exchange and the total respiratory heat loss decreased significantly. Conclusions. The results indicate that passive airway humidification is effective in tracheotomized patients even after a 10‐minute period. However, the positive effect on the energy balance of the tracheal mucosa after prolonged use of the HME remains to be proven. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2006