Articles: intubation.
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Fiberoptic endotracheal intubation with an endoscope (external diameter 4 mm) especially designed for anesthesiologists proved to be safe providing small-diameter tubes were used. The use of large-diameter tubes (I. ⋯ When this new tube was used there were no problems either in passing the bronchoscope through this "inner" tube or in withdrawing the inner tube after successful intubation. With the new device it was even possible to pass tubes with wider lumen into the trachea over the fiberscope with minimal difficulty and trauma.
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Extraoral tape fixation of the orotracheal tube for general anesthesia is a major problem in maxillofacial surgery. First of all, surgical access to the perioral and nasal region is handicapped by the tape covering and distracting the skin, especially in those cases where no nasotracheal intubation is possible; furthermore, blood, saliva, and disinfectant fluid interfere with reliable adhesion of the tape. A method of intraoral dental fixation of the orotracheal tube by a rubber dam fixation clamp is presented. The rubber dam isolates teeth against the oral cavity, providing a dry operative field to the dentist. The set of clamps, each designed according to the individual anatomy of the different teeth, is usual in the dental trade. After intubation the selected clamp is placed on the tooth by means of the forceps. The tube is laid on the clamp and tied on by a silk thread (2 x 0), which is inserted through the clamp's holes. We recommend fixation to the teeth in the mandible to avoid tension load, which could strain teeth in the maxilla; as far as possible only teeth without any impairment (e.g. loosening) should be selected. ⋯ The method of intraoral dental fixation of the orotracheal tube by a rubber dam clamp offers the following advantages: (1) the surgeon, especially the maxillofacial surgeon, has a good view of the perioral region and free access for surgery; there is (2) no skin distraction or irritation by tape; there is (3) reliable tube fixation even for patients with allergy to adhesive materials; there is (4) no solution of tape fixation by blood, saliva, or disinfectant fluid; and (5) silk sutures cannot be subjected to strain when solving tape fixation.
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Comparative Study
End-tidal CO2 measurement in the detection of esophageal intubation during cardiac arrest.
Measurement of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) has been used to detect accidental esophageal tube placement in noncardiac arrest situations. The purpose of our study was to determine whether ETCO2 measurement could distinguish tracheal from esophageal tube placement during closed-chest massage (CCM). Twelve large dogs were anesthetized, and endotracheal tubes were placed in both the trachea and the esophagus. ⋯ In group B, ETCO2 ranged from 2 to 11 mm Hg (median, 3 mm Hg). In this experimental model, measurement of ETCO2 reliably distinguished esophageal from tracheal intubation during cardiac arrest and CCM. If confirmed in human beings, this may prove to be a quick, reliable method of detecting esophageal intubation during cardiac arrest.
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A 64-year old female requiring prolonged ventilatory support was scheduled for an elective tracheostomy. Anesthesia consisted of surgical infiltration of 1% lidocaine and supplemental isoflurane. The patient was mechanically ventilated with an FIO2 of 1.0. ⋯ Proper management of an endotracheal tube fire includes stopping ventilation, disconnecting the oxygen source, removing the endotracheal tube, diagnosing injury, administering short-term steroids, administering antibiotics if indicated, providing ventilation and medical support as necessary and monitoring the patient for at least 24 hours. Extreme caution is necessary when using electrocautery in close proximity to an endotracheal tube. If electrocautery is used in close proximity to an endotracheal tube, an FIO2 of 0.3 or less with helium should be used.