Pediatric Microcuff Tube for Neurosurgical Procedures: A Boon or Bane?

Abstract

Pediatric Microcuff endotracheal tubes have come into vogue in the last few years. It overcomes the problems faced with the uncuffed or conventional cuffed tubes used in the pediatric population. In addition, the more distal placement of the polyurethane cuffs in these tubes eliminates the risk of airway mucosal injury and hence postoperative stridor. This makes it an attractive option for neurosurgical patients where there is a high incidence of cranial nerve deficit, airway edema, and the requirement of prolonged postoperative ventilation. But due to this particular design, Murphy's eye is not incorporated in the tube, which can potentially hamper ventilation, especially when used for long duration surgery. With the help of our case report, we would like to warn the readers regarding this life-threatening complication that resulted in hypoxia in a 1-year-old child in the postoperative period.

Keywords

• intracranial pressure
• microcuff tube
• pediatric patients