Rawalpindi, Pakistan
EditorDisposable tracheal tubes are commonly used in anaesthesia. Cuffed nasal/oral tubes of various sizes are made of PVC or silicon material. The cuffed tubes made by different manufacturers such as Portex or Mallinckrodte have an almost invisible tiny hole at the proximal end. Distally this hole ends blindly at the upper one third of the tube. These cuffed tubes can be easily reshaped by inserting a small wire (11.2 mm) in this hole (Fig. 1). The wire keeps the lumen of the tube patent even at 90°120° bend and does not interfere with the connection or airflow. Insertion of the wire does not cause any damage to the tube, and injury to the trachea or larynx is unlikely.
|
|
We have recommended to the manufacturers that they provide a wire of 11.2 mm with these tracheal tubes (in the packing). Their response is awaited. The anaesthetist could then mould the tubes as required.
M. Salim
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
References
1 Salim M. Salim and Mahmood modification of RAE tubes. Br J Anaesth 2002; 88: 459[CrossRef][ISI][Medline]