Combitube: a study for proper use

The esophageal-tracheal Combitube((R)) (ETC; Kendall-Sheridan Catheter Corp., Argyle, NY) is a new device designed for difficult airways and emergency intubation. The manufacturer recommends that the ETC model 37F SA be used in patients with a height of between 122 and 152 cm. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether ventilation is effective and reliable in patients taller than 152 cm by using the ETC 37F SA in the esophageal position. Also, we evaluated whether the airway protection is adequate and whether direct intubation of the trachea with the ETC inserted in the esophagus is possible. We studied 25 anesthetized, paralyzed adult patients, 150 to 180 cm in height. Methylene blue was given orally to all patients before anesthesia induction. Under direct vision, a ETC 37F SA was inserted in the esophagus of all patients. The pharyngeal balloon inflation volume was titrated to air leak and cuff pressures were measured. During surgery, a laryngoscope was inserted into the pharynx with the pharyngeal balloon deflated and the laryngoscopic view was evaluated by using the Cormack-Lehane scale. The presence of methylene blue in the hypopharynx was investigated by direct laryngoscopic vision. Ventilation was effective and reliable in all 25 patients who were 150 to 180 cm in height (average 169 +/- 7 cm). In addition, a direct relationship between the pharyngeal balloon volume and patient height was established (P < 0.05), by using linear regression models. The laryngoscopic view of the glottis was adequate to allow direct tracheal intubation. No trace of methylene blue was detected in the hypopharynx. The ETC Model 37F SA may be used in patients from 122 to 185 cm in height. The trachea could be directly intubated with the ETC in the esophageal position in patients with normal airways. The airway protection appears to be adequate. IMPLICATIONS: The esophageal-tracheal Combitube((R)) Model 37F SA (Kendall-Sheridan Catheter Corp., Argyle, NY) may be used in patients from 122 to 185 cm in height. The trachea could be directly intubated with the Combitube((R)) in esophageal position in patients with normal airways. The airway protection appears to be adequate.     

El modelo del Vórtex: una aproximación diferente a una vía aérea difícil

Airway management is an essential area in anaesthesia, and anaesthesiologists are considered the most expert professionals to manage airway tasks. However, complications related to inadequate airway management remain the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality.Algorithmic strategy to solve difficulties fails, due to several factors related to its structure and clinical application.The Vortex Approach has emerged as a response to the limitations found in the algorithmic strategy of managing the difficult airway, by using a cognitive aid strategy to reduce cognitive load and fixation error. This new strategy may represent a solution to the elusive problem of the challenging airway and reduce the complications rate.     

Vasospasm after use of a tourniquet: another cause of postoperative limb ischemia?

IMPLICATIONS:Two previously reported causes of postoperative limb ischemia after use of a tourniquet, compartment syndrome and arterial thromboembolism, require aggressive and invasive management. We report another probable cause that can be managed nonsurgically: vasospasm.     

The esophageal tracheal combitube as a non-invasive alternative to endotracheal intubation. A review

The esophageal tracheal combitube (ETC) is a supraglottic airway device that functions as an effective alternative to ventilation via mask and tracheal intubation and is therefore a valuable tool in difficult and emergency airway management. The Com-bitube has proven to be a valuable tool for securing the airways and providing adequate ventilation. Its advantages are that it is easy to insert quickly, it may be inserted blindly or with the aid of a laryngoscope, and it provides adequate ventilation and oxygenation in both esophageal and tracheal position. The combitube allows application of high ventilatory pressures and it minimises the risk of aspiration. Several guidelines including European Resuscitation Council, Ame-rican Heart Association, American Society of Anesthesiologists have included the combitube as a primary rescue device in cannot ventilate cannot intubate situations. It has been used in elective patients as well as in emergency situations in- and out-of-hospital. The combitube can be inserted with minimal movement of the cervical spine and is therefore indicated whenever cervical spine movement is anatomically restricted (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) or should be functionally restricted (e.g. trauma). Since the combitube isolates the lungs from the esophagus it is especially useful in patients at risk for aspiration (e.g., caesarean section, morbid obesity). The combitube is available in two sizes: 37 F SA (Small Adult) and 41 F. Unfortunately, a pediatric size is not commercially available. Training in the use of the combitube under controlled conditions is prerequisite to being expert in an emergency situation. The combitube is another non-surgical airway in the armamentarium of the anaesthesiologist or emergency provider in case of foreseen or unforeseen difficult airways in patients who can neither be intubated or mask ventilated.