The efficacy of three different modes of percutaneous trans-tracheal ventilation in hypoxic, hypercarbic swine

Acute upper airway obstruction constitutes a true medical emergency. When mask ventilation or tracheal intubation is impossible, percutaneous trans-tracheal ventilation (PTTV) may provide oxygenation, ventilation, and prove to be a life-saving manoeuvre. Numerous techniques of PTTV have been proposed, but their relative ability to reverse existing hypoxia and provide ventilation has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of three different techniques of PTTV to provide ventilation and reverse pre-existing hypoxia in swine.