British Journal of Anaesthesia, Vol 84, Issue 2 257-259, Copyright © 2000 by Oxford University Press
F Agro, J Brimacombe, DJ Doyle, L Marchionni and R Cataldo
We have assessed the feasibility of retrograde nasotracheal intubation
using a flexometallic tracheal tube with a detachable pilot balloon and
connector in a study of 20 consecutive adult patients undergoing
oropharyngeal surgery. The technique consisted of: (1) laryngoscope- guided
orotracheal intubation; (2) insertion of an 18-gauge Foley catheter through
the nose and retraction into the mouth; (3) detachment of the anaesthesia
circuit, pilot balloon and connector; (4) insertion of the Foley catheter
tip into the proximal end of the tracheal tube and inflation of the Foley
catheter cuff; (5) withdrawal of the Foley catheter and attached tracheal
tube back through the nose; (6) deflation of the Foley catheter cuff; and
(7) re-attachment of the pilot balloon, connector and anaesthesia circuit.
The technique was successful at the first attempt in all patients. Mean
time taken to insert the Foley catheter and retract it into the mouth was
19 (range 12-30) s. Mean time taken from disconnection to reconnection of
the anaesthesia circuit was 8 (6-10) s. Heart rate increased after
intubation, but there were no significant changes in arterial pressure.
Nasal bleeding, airway problems and hypoxic events did not occur. No
anatomical abnormalities or nasal trauma were detected at rhinoscopy. We
conclude that retrograde nasotracheal intubation is feasible using a
flexometallic tracheal tube with a detachable pilot balloon and connector.
ARTICLES
Retrograde nasotracheal intubation with a new tracheal tube: a feasibility study
Department of Anaesthesia, University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy.
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