The use of an endotracheal ventilation catheter in the management of difficult extubations.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical experience with a new device, designed to maintain airway access following tracheal extubation.

FEATURES: The endotracheal ventilation catheter (ETVC) is a semi-rigid polyurethane catheter with a distal hole and side-holes. A proximal connector permits attachment to a high pressure gas source for jet ventilation. Such a device can be introduced through an existing endotracheal tube, prior to its removal, and then used as stylet to facilitate reintubation. In 202 consecutive patients, the main use was to maintain airway access for up to 72 hr. It was well tolerated and associated with a high probability of successful reintubation even when the glottis cannot be visualised.

CONCLUSION

The ETVC is a safe and effective means of maintaining airway access after tracheal extubation, even when the glottis cannot be visualized.