Disposable double-lumen tubes. A cost-effectiveness survey.
The use of red rubber double-lumen-bronchial tubes was studied in the Regional Cardiothoracic Centre and three large District General Hospitals to assess whether the use of disposable polyvinylchloride tubes was a viable cost-effective alternative. In the Regional Cardiothoracic Centre red rubber tubes were used frequently throughout their predicted lifespan and were cost effective. In the district hospitals red rubber tubes were unlikely to be used sufficiently to justify their cost. Many district general hospitals could reduce capital expenditure and annual costs by changing from red rubber to disposable polyvinyl chloride double lumen tubes.
D001980:Bronchi; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004209:Disposable Equipment / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D007440:Intubation / Q000295:instrumentation*