Removal of obstructing T-tube and stabilization of the airway

✍ Scribed by Sanjay M. Athavale; Jennifer Dang; Sanjeet Rangarajan; Gaelyn Garrett

• Book ID: 102449303
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2011
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 223 KB
• Volume: 121
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0023-852X
• DOI: 10.1002/lary.21458

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Although they are extremely effective in maintaining tracheal and subglottic patency, T‐tubes themselves can result in airway obstruction from plugging. Many practitioners educate patients on placing a small (5.0) endotracheal tube (ETT) through the tracheal limb of the T‐tube if they develop airway obstruction. Unfortunately, this can be a difficult task to complete during acute airway obstruction. In this article, we describe a simple set of steps for rapid relief of airway obstruction and stabilization of the airway in the event of T‐tube obstruction. This method requires removal of the T‐tube with a Kelly clamp and stabilization of the airway with a tracheostomy tube. Although it is simple, we hope that this technique will prevent morbidity and mortality from acute airway obstructions related to T‐tubes.