How can you tell if transtracheal tract is fully mature?
A. When the catheter is introduced into the tract opening, there is no snugness, tightness, or any unnecessary manipulation required to get the catheter to enter the trachea. Other than twirling the catheter, it should not require any extra effort or take an inordinate amount of time. There should be no pain or tenderness associated with catheter insertion or removal. The catheter should feel as if it were dropping into air.
