Masui. The Japanese journal of anesthesiology
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We measured the intracuff pressure of two different tracheal tubes, Portex Profile Soft-Seal Cuff with high N2O gas-barrier property and "high-volume, low-pressure" cuff (Mallincrodt Lo-Contour). Twenty adult patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery, were maintained with total intravenous anesthesia combined with epidural block, and ventilated with oxygen in air (FIO2 = 0.4). Initially, intracuff pressure was adjusted to 25 mmHg with air, and monitored over 180 min. ⋯ The decrease in intracuff pressure of Portex Profile Soft-Seal Cuff was significantly smaller than that of "high-volume, low-pressure" cuff 150-180 min later. We conclude that to prevent tracheobronchial aspiration during prolonged general anesthesia without N2O, tracheal tube cuff with gas-barrier property may be safer than usual "high-volume, low-pressure" cuff. We recommend to check the intracuff pressure especially during the first 30 min and at intervals of several hours.
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Case Reports
[Orotracheal intubation using a Styletscope in a patient with restricted opening of the mouth].
We used a Styletscope (FSS) for endotracheal intubation in a 61-year-old man with restricted mouth opening. The degree of mouth opening was only 1.5 cm. ⋯ After induction of anesthesia using propofol and vecuronium, orotracheal intubation was accomplished promptly and smoothly using this scope. The Styletscope is a useful device for orotracheal intubation in patients with restricted mouth opening.