Giraffes have long been a subject of study for scientists due to the physiological anomaly their anatomical design can present. The study of the species helps aid in understanding of clinically relevant processes. The long trachea of a giraffe presents the dilemma of exaggerated dead space; however, this physiological problem is surmounted by a narrow trachea when compared to mammals of similar size, thus decreasing potential dead space. As COVID-19 patients in the hospital and ICU can develop COVID-19 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome, limiting excess dead space in COVID-19 patients is favorable. Removing additional tubing for a patient with an endotracheal tube in a ventilator circuit could help lower the patient’s PaCO2 and raise their pH.
