The objective of this research is to develop an improved tracheal tube. This tracheal tube will eliminate the complications of tracheomalacia, stenosis, full-thickness erosion of the tracheal wall with artery hemorrhage, or tracheo-esophageal fistulae. These complications occur when the pressure in the cuff necessary for optimal gas exchange in the lungs exceeds the capillary blood flow to the tissues of the trachea. The tube's cuff, when inflated, will hold a thin cushion of air against the tracheal wall and create a seal. As airway pressure increases during the inspiratory phase of ventilation, the cuff's pressure against the tracheal tissue will be directly proportional to the airway pressure. During expiration, the pressure recedes. This avoids the continuous high cuff pressure presently required in some pathological conditions of the lungs and provides intermittent tissue pressure.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:In 1985, 24,799,000 surgical operations were performed in the United States. Additionally, patients in critical care areas are under ventilatory support. Tubes are currently priced to hospitals at $4 to $5. Developments in this research will be a quantum advance in tracheal tube technology and should mandate their use.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NLBI)
