Ventilatory Obstruction with Spiral Embedded Tube - Are They as Safe?

Abstract

Spiral embedded tubes are routinely being used in anaesthetic practice these days as a preventive measure in cases where kinking of the endotracheal tube is anticipated. In spite of this advantage spiral embedded tubes can at times lead to disaster since any deformity in these tubes is permanent and leads to occlusion of a patent airway. We present a 40-year-male, who underwent popliteal artery anastomosis for a tear after fire arm injury, under general anaesthesia with spiral embedded tube in prone position. Surgical procedure and anaesthesia was uneventful but before extuba-tion, patient bite on the tube created permanent deformity resulting in occlusion, leading to hypoxia and desaturation. The deformed tube was removed and replaced with an LMA, thereafter the patient was managed without any complications or sequelae and a lesson was learnt.

Keywords

• Spiral embedded tube; Armoured
• Flexometallic; Obstruction