To examine the dynamic modulation of upper airway (UA) function during sleep, we devised a novel approach to measuring the critical pressure (Pcrit) within a single breath in tracheostomized sleep apnea patients. We hypothesized that the UA continuously modulates airflow dynamics during transtracheal insufflation. In this study, we examine tidal pressure-flow relationships throughout the respir...

Recertification for long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) has been recommended for patients who are clinically unstable when home oxygen therapy is begun. Periods of observation for clinical stability have ranged from three weeks to three months in large multicenter clinical trials. There is concern, however, that an increase in arterial oxygen tension occurring after three months may be related to t...

A 71-year-old male was treated for suspected bronchial asthma because of dyspnea and stridor for 3 months before presenting at our hospital. Chest computed tomogram and a laryngotracheoscopy revealed a mass occupying the subglottic cavity. Instead of a laryngotracheal resection, the tumor was extirpated from the posterior wall of the subglottis and the first two tracheal rings successfully thro...

A "cannot-ventilate, cannot-intubate" situation is critical. In difficult airway management, transtracheal jet ventilation (TTJV) has been recommended as an invasive procedure, but specialized equipment is required. However, the influence of upper airway resistance (UAR) during TTJV has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to compare TTJV using a manual jet ventilator (MJV) and the oxy...

Transtracheal oxygen therapy (TTOT) improves the efficiency of oxygen delivery and overcomes the discomfort associated with nasal oxygen delivery in patients on long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). In addition, TTOT improves compliance and quality of life, and may reduce morbidity. Experience with TTOT in Europe is, however, scarce and the safety of TTOT has not yet been completely determined. Thes...

Asthma is a complex disease. The heterogeneity of airway inflammation during asthma indicates there are different mechanisms involved. In order to further study the mechanisms of asthma, different mouse models were established to mimic corresponding subtypes of asthma in clinic. Eosinophilic asthma was established by intraperitoneal injections of ovalbumin (OVA) on day 0 and day 7, followed by ...