Article Figures & Data
Figures
- Fig. 1.
Timing of study. CT = computed tomography.
- Fig. 2.
The silicone seal with a predetermined line of weakness. Two different threads are attached for tensioning and unraveling function, respectively.
- Fig. 3.
Outer housing comprising attachment means for the silicone threads.
- Fig. 4.
Transversal cross section of the 5 pigs included in the study at the level of the tracheal seal. In one pig, the tracheal seal (A) was slightly curved, whereas the remaining seals (B–E) were flush with the inner lining of the trachea. F: Surface reconstruction of the skeleton, airways, and tracheal seal in one of the pigs. Lines indicate the cross sections applied to measure cross-sectional area in Table 1. Cau = caudal, cra = cranial.
- Fig. 5.
Inspection of the healed tracheostoma at tissue excision.
- Fig. 6.
The superficial layer close to the skin surface in a pig with complete extraction. One week after extraction, the tracheostoma had healed. No signs of acute inflammation were found; only changes following foreign body placement with fibroblast outgrowth and giant cell formation. The arrow points at the enlarged area of the healed tracheostoma. Hematoxylin and eosin stain was used.
- Fig. 7.
The endotracheal surface and the area close to the endotracheal surface in a pig where the extraction was complete. One week after extraction, the tracheostoma had healed; the arrow on the right points at the enlarged area of the healed tracheostoma (showing the same area as in Fig 2 from the superficial area). The arrow on the left points at the enlarged area of the intact endotracheal epithelium, where the endotracheal seal was placed. Hematoxylin and eosin stain was used.
