Abstract
The prevention of complications is an important element of pediatric tracheostomy management, and tracheostomy cannula-related complications require particular caution. Appropriate cannula selection is vital for preventing such complications. To obtain data regarding appropriate cannula selection, we experimentally investigated the characteristics of various cannulas by measuring the force generated by the contact with the cannula tip. The force generated owing to curvature was the weakest for a silicon cannula with stainless steel coil followed by silicon and polyvinylchloride cannulae. When pressure was applied perpendicular to the direction of the cannula axis, the measured force was the weakest for the silicon cannula followed by the polyvinylchloride cannula and the silicon cannula with stainless steel coil. These results suggest that for cases in which the trachea and cannula positions are likely to deviate because of factors such as excessive extension into the cervical region, the use of a silicon cannula with stainless steel coil could prevent complications. Complications might also be prevented by the use of a cannula made from silicon for cases in which the force is applied perpendicular to the cannula axis (e.g., tracheomalacia).
