An unusual case of cuff herniation.
We describe a case of herniation of an endotracheal tube with a high volume and low pressure cuff. In contrast with the conventional endotracheal tube with a low volume and high pressure cuff, which, after recognition of cuff herniation, can be deflated, the herniation of this type of tube could not be resolved in such a way. The large and soft cuff material had spread itself over the tube tip, as a result of the herniation and this was aggravated by deflation, making it impossible to adequately ventilate the patient. Pulse oximetry turned out to be a most helpful way of monitoring the seriousness of the situation, in which the patient was fully covered by sterile drapes.
Treffers
R
R
Department of Anesthesiology, Free University Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
de Lange
J J
JJ
D000328:Adult; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation