Use of the Combitube for airway maintenance during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy |
| |
| Authors: | A. Mallick,A. C. Quinn,A. R. Bodenham,& M. Vucevic |
| |
| Affiliation: | Clinical Research Registrar, Academic Unit of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care Unit, The General Infirmary at Leeds, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK,;Lecturer, Academic Unit of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care Unit, The General Infirmary at Leeds, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK,;Senior Lecturer, Academic Unit of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care Unit, The General Infirmary at Leeds, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK,;Clinical Co-ordinator, Intensive Care Unit, The General Infirmary at Leeds, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK |
| |
| Abstract: | The Combitube airway allows short-term ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and can be useful in the management of the difficult airway. In a prospective observational study we assessed its use during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT). Twenty-one intensive care patients scheduled for elective PDT had their tracheal tube replaced by a Combitube airway retaining the same ventilator settings. Arterial blood gases, airway pressures, SpO2 and end-tidal CO2 were measured as were the transmural pressures exerted by the Combitube cuffs. Combitube placement was successful in 20 of 21 patients although adequate ventilation was possible in only 17 (85%). There was no significant change in P a O 2, S p O 2, end-tidal CO2, P a CO 2 or mean airway pressure during Combitube ventilation. A high mean (SD) transmural pressure of 14.7 (5) kPa was exerted by the distal cuff. The Combitube provided a satisfactory alternative airway to the tracheal tube during performance of PDT in 85% of our patients. Potential problems associated with its use in intensive care patients are outlined. |
| |
| Keywords: | Equipment Combitube Surgery tracheostomy, percutaneous dilatational |
|
|
