IN 1966, we reported physiologic data from dogs and calves which suggested that needle tracheostomy with size 13 or smaller needles 2 inches in length, was not a satisfactory substitute for operative tracheostomy or insertion of a standard endotracheal tube in the adult human with acute upper respiratory obstruction.1 A significant number of the dogs with size 13 needle tracheostomies developed hypercarbia, hypoxemia, and acidosis. Their average weight was 17.4 kg (38.4 lb).
The present experiments were done to determine the possible usefulness of emergency needle tracheostomy for infants with acute obstruction of the upper airway. Needle tracheostomy was done after complete occlusion of the trachea in dogs weighing 11.3 kg (25 lb) or less, in order to evaluate the physiologic effects of this form of ventilation.
Materials and Methods
The procedures were carried out in a similar manner to that previously reported.1 Ten dogs weighing 11.3 kg