Use of WuScope for exchange of endotracheal tube in a patient with difficult airway

Laryngoscope. 2003 Jun;113(6):1082-4. doi: 10.1097/00005537-200306000-00032.

Abstract

Objective: To describe a method for the exchange of a defective endotracheal tube using the WuScope in patients with difficult airways who cannot tolerate interrupted ventilation.

Study design: Case report.

Methods: Detailed description of proposed modality for the endotracheal tube exchange.

Results: Exchanging a defective endotracheal tube in patients with a "difficult airway" and compromised oxygenation can be a challenging task. Performing fiberoptic visualization with the WuScope and using a "double intubation" technique may be an acceptable method for endotracheal tube exchange in some clinical situations.

Conclusion: By using our technique the exchange of an endotracheal tube in a patient with a difficult airway may be achieved without interrupting the ventilation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia, General
  • Equipment Failure*
  • Fiber Optic Technology / instrumentation*
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications / etiology
  • Intraoperative Complications / therapy*
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / instrumentation*
  • Laryngoscopes*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasal Septum / surgery*
  • Respiration, Artificial
  • Respiratory Sounds / etiology*
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / surgery*