Automated human tracheal morphometrics using deep learning: toward custom tracheostomy tubes

Tracheostomy is a surgical technique in which an opening is created in the anterior wall of the trachea to facilitate airflow, often in the context of upper airway obstruction. It can be performed either via an open surgical technique or percutaneous techniques. Indications can be emergent, such as in cases of acute upper airway obstruction or traumatic injury, or elective, for example, in cases of chronic aspiration, neurological conditions or prolonged ventilator dependence. 1