Morbidity and Mortality Associated with Preclinical Tracheostomy Models

A secure airway is critical to study obstructive disorders of the larynx and trachea in preclinical models. Tracheostomy has been described in rabbits, swine, canines, and other mammals using tracheostomy tubes or permanent stomas. No studies specifically evaluated morbidity and mortality associated with these models, and existing studies using tracheostomy make little mention of tracheostomy‐related complications. We assessed the management, complications, and mortality associated with tracheostomy in a rabbit model that has recently gained significant attention.