Assessment of Primary Oxygenation and Airflow Measurement for Endoscopic Laryngeal Surgery

There is significant utility in objectively measuring airflow as subjects, undergoing endoscopic laryngeal surgery, commonly have difficulties with airflow secondary to their stenosis. Easier and quicker quantification will tailor diagnosis and treatment. In order to obtain an objective measure of airflow in these participants, we will place a 20-gauge angiocatheter needle into the airway. The catheter will be in situ for a short duration during several spontaneous and non-spontaneous breaths. This will be achieved via the existing tracheostomy stoma or percutaneously via the cricothyroid membrane. This technique is commonly used to access the muscles of the larynx, however, the primary purpose will be to measure airflow in this setting.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients 18 years or older that require outpatient endoscopic laryngeal airway surgery, in the operating room, at a tertiary academic center.

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnancy (status will be determined by a urine test as part of standard clinical care in the preoperative setting)
• Patients that are not cleared for surgery by the preoperative evaluation
• Patients with severe laryngotracheal stenosis
• Patients who are morbidly obese (BMI > 40)
• Patients with lung disease (asthma, COPD)