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The influence of a heat and moisture exchanger on tracheal climate in a cold environment

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dc.contributor.authorZuur, J.
dc.contributor.authorMuller, S.
dc.contributor.authorVincent, A.
dc.contributor.authorSinaasappel, M.
dc.contributor.authorde Jongh, F.
dc.contributor.authorHilgers, F.
dc.date.issued2009
dc.description.abstract<h4>Objective</h4>The incidence of pulmonary complaints, severe tracheitis and lung function deterioration is increased during wintertime in laryngectomized individuals. We analyzed how a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) performs in cold and dry ambient circumstances, and how its efficiency in this environmental climate might be improved.<h4>Study design</h4>Randomized crossover.<h4>Methods</h4>Intra-tracheal temperature and humidity were measured in 10 laryngectomized patients with and without HME, in a cold (mean, 4.7 degrees C) and dry (mean, 4.5 mgH2O/L) room.<h4>Results</h4>Presence of an HME causes the intra-tracheal mean humidity minima and maxima to increase with 4.2 mgH2O/L (95%CI: 3.3-5.0 mgH2O/L; p<0.001) and 2.4 mgH2O/L (95%CI: 1.7-3.1 mgH2O/L; p<0.001), respectively. The intra-tracheal mean temperature minima and maxima increased with 3.9 degrees C (95%CI: 2.7-5.1 degrees C; p<0.001) and 1.2 degrees C (95%CI: 0.8-1.2 degrees C; p<0.001), respectively. In the majority of patients, the calculated relative humidity values appear to reach well above 100% during inspiration.<h4>Conclusion</h4>In a cold environment, presence of an HME significantly increases both inspiratory and expiratory temperature and humidity values. Relative humidity calculations suggest the formation of condense droplets during inspiration. To further increase its effectiveness, improvement of the HME's thermal capacity should be aimed for.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityJ. Karel Zuur, Sara H. Muller, Andrew Vincent, Michiel Sinaasappel, Frans H.C. de Jongh, Frans J.M. Hilgers
dc.identifier.citationMedical Engineering and Physics, 2009; 31(7):852-857
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.medengphy.2009.04.004
dc.identifier.issn1350-4533
dc.identifier.issn1873-4030
dc.identifier.orcidVincent, A. [0000-0002-6428-1070]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/84777
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherElsevier
dc.rightsCopyright © 2009 IPEM
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.medengphy.2009.04.004
dc.subjectHeat and moisture exchanger; Airway climate assessment; Temperature; Humidity; Cold environment
dc.titleThe influence of a heat and moisture exchanger on tracheal climate in a cold environment
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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