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Removal of obstructing T‐tube and stabilization of the airway
Author(s) -
Athavale Sanjay M.,
Dang Jennifer,
Rangarajan Sanjeet,
Garrett Gaelyn
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.21458
Subject(s) - airway , medicine , airway obstruction , endotracheal tube , tube (container) , surgery , tracheostomy tube , airway management , anesthesia , clamp , tracheal tube , intubation , computer science , materials science , clamping , composite material , computer vision
Although they are extremely effective in maintaining tracheal and subglottic patency, T‐tubes themselves can result in airway obstruction from plugging. Many practitioners educate patients on placing a small (5.0) endotracheal tube (ETT) through the tracheal limb of the T‐tube if they develop airway obstruction. Unfortunately, this can be a difficult task to complete during acute airway obstruction. In this article, we describe a simple set of steps for rapid relief of airway obstruction and stabilization of the airway in the event of T‐tube obstruction. This method requires removal of the T‐tube with a Kelly clamp and stabilization of the airway with a tracheostomy tube. Although it is simple, we hope that this technique will prevent morbidity and mortality from acute airway obstructions related to T‐tubes.