AANA journal
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Inadvertent deflation of the endotracheal tube cuff during a tracheotomy can complicate the surgical procedure, especially in a morbidly obese patient. Also, the anesthesia provider may lose control of the airway, with the inability to reintubate in case of airway edema, airway secretions, or airway fire. The use of the GlideScope video laryngoscope (Verathon Inc, Bothell, Washington) in the morbidly obese patient undergoing a tracheotomy has clinical benefits. This device allowed the visualization of the airway anatomy in 2 patients and the manipulation of the punctured endotracheal tube cuff in one case.
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A 37-year-old morbidly obese man with a history of obstructive sleep apnea underwent elective tonsillectomy. The patient was successfully intubated with an 8.0-mm regular cuffed endotracheal tube. A large video laryngoscope (GlideScope, Verathon Inc, Bothell, Washington) was used for intubation, as airway assessment indicated a potentially difficult airway. ⋯ Resuctioning and reinsertion of the GlideScope probe did not provide an adequate visual field. After 2 failed attempts, the use of the GlideScope was abandoned. Subsequently, the patient's trachea was successfully intubated with a size 4 Macintosh blade.
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Our anesthesia care team was called to care for a patient who was admitted to the emergency department with the esophageal-tracheal double-lumen airway device (Combitube, Tyco Healthcare, Nellcor, Pleasanton, California) in place, which needed to be exchanged for a definitive airway because the patient required an extended period of mechanical ventilation. Several techniques were attempted to exchange the esophageal-tracheal Combitube (ETC) without success. First, we attempted direct laryngoscopy with the ETC in place after deflation of the No. 1 proximal cuff and sweeping the ETC to the left. ⋯ Before proceeding with cricothyrotomy, we repeated direct laryngoscopy but without the ETC in place. We identified the tip of the epiglottis, which allowed for bougie-assisted intubation. This obviated the need for emergency cricothyrotomy.