Biomechanical characteristics of the human trachea.

Previous experiments using mercury-in-Silastic strain gauges in dogs revealed the trachea to be a dynamic organ. The cartilaginous rings and intercartilaginous membranes are unique in adapting to the physiologic demands of respiration, deglutition, and gravity. Alterations in tracheal biomechanics following segmental tracheal resection were also documented. In the present study, a new device was used to measure the stress-strain characteristics of the human trachea. The machine can be used to measure tension across trachea rings or the entire trachea. The results of these experiments indicate that the human trachea is a complex biomechanical organ and that it responds distinctively to stress.