title: An approach for safe conversion of an oral endotracheal tube to a nasal endotracheal tube.
abstract: We present an approach for safe management of a patient with an oral endotracheal tube who required conversion to a nasal endotracheal tube. A 35-year-old man presented for mandibular fracture repair after multiple injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. The patient already had an oral endotracheal tube, and the surgical team requested a nasal endotracheal tube to facilitate surgical exposure and postoperative airway management in anticipation of a wired jaw. A nasal endotracheal tube was inserted through the naris and a video laryngoscope was used to visualize the glottis. A tracheal tube introducer was inserted through the oral endotracheal tube, and the oral endotracheal tube was then withdrawn approximately 5 cm. The nasal endotracheal tube was advanced through the vocal cords alongside the tracheal tube introducer. The nasal endotracheal tube cuff was then inflated and the tracheal tube introducer was withdrawn.
authors.affiliation: Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas (Hofkamp) and Baylor University, Waco, Texas (Diao).
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hofkamp
authors.affiliation: Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, Texas (Hofkamp) and Baylor University, Waco, Texas (Diao).
authors.forename: Zhiying
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Diao