Tubeless tracheotomy for survival airway surgery in the leporine model

Abstract

This method meets the defined criteria for the ideal experimental tracheostomy, demonstrating potential benefit in a laryngotracheal stenosis model and a rabbit model of evoked phonation.

Morbidity and mortality associated with preclinical tracheostomy models

“…Tracheotomy in rabbits has been described in the literature for over two decades to maintain the airway during laryngotracheal interventions . Boon et al as well as Whitley et al and Miller et al have examined the feasibility of a specific form of rabbit tracheotomy in a limited number of animals . In the current study, experience with the tubeless tracheotomy in rabbits was expanded to 22 animals, with careful attention focused on outcomes and tracheostoma management challenges.…”

“…The current study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at the New York University School of Medicine. As part of two consecutive airway studies, 22 female New Zealand white rabbits (2.7–3.4 kg) underwent tubeless tracheotomy, as described by Boon et al and our group . In each animal, an open stoma was created to allow airflow to the lungs, permitting laryngeal interventions while preserving ventilation and oxygenation.…”

“…Most recently, Boon et al described the need for a safer leporine tracheotomy technique, noting the high mortality rate associated with survival airway surgery in rabbits (weights not specified) . Their technique utilized a previously described canine tubeless tracheotomy in the rabbit model .…”

“…Their technique utilized a previously described canine tubeless tracheotomy in the rabbit model . The authors reported that all six rabbits in the study survived, but that a respiratory emergency occurred despite an intensive monitoring program to maintain the tracheostoma . In prior work from our laboratory, this same tubeless tracheostoma was utilized for an airway study .…”

“…Most recently, Boon et al described the need for a safer leporine tracheotomy technique, noting the high mortality rate associated with survival airway surgery in rabbits (weights not specified). 4 Their technique utilized a previously described canine tubeless tracheotomy in the rabbit model. 5,6 The authors reported that all six rabbits in the study survived, but that a respiratory emergency occurred despite an intensive monitoring program to maintain the tracheostoma.…”