title: [ S-shaped suction catheter for intraoperative intermaxillary fixation].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Orthognathic surgery for maxillofacial deformities and open reduction of mandibular fractures may require intermaxillary fixation during the surgical procedure. Extubation with intraoperative intermaxillary fixation is highly dangerous, because nasal bleeding and postoperative vomiting can cause airway obstruction and aspiration pneumonia. To prevent these complications, we routinely use an S-shaped suction catheter in patients with intraoperative intermaxillary fixation. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal location for fixation of a catheter to allow effective suctioning.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen adult volunteers participated in this study. A suction catheter was inserted into the oral cavity proper through the retromolar space in an intercuspal position. When the catheter could suction distilled water in the mouth, the distance from the tip of the catheter to the angle of the mouth was measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The distances of straight type catheters were 68+/-7 and 57+/-7 mm in males and females, respectively. The distances of angle type catheters were 72+/-10 and 58+/-7 mm in males and females, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study suggests that an S-shaped suction catheter is useful to suction oral secretions in patients with intraoperative intermaxillary fixation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima.
authors.forename: Kazuna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sugiyama
authors.forename: Yoko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Saitoh
authors.forename: Atsushi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kohjitani
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D019767:Maxillofacial Abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D020250:Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation*