Esophageal and tracheal distortion by the esophageal-tracheal combitube : a cadaver study

To understand the anatomical relationships of the Esophageal-Tracheal Combitube (ETC) with the larynx, pharynx, esophagus and trachea. An extensive dissection of the neck and thorax of a 70-yr-old caucasian male cadaver was done to expose the larynx, pharynx, trachea and esophagus. The ETC was inser...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian journal of anesthesia 1999-04, Vol.46 (4), p.393-397
Main Authors: VEZINA, D, TREPANIER, C. A, LESSARD, M. R, BUSSIERES, J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Anesthesia
Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy
Anesthesia: equipment, devices
Biological and medical sciences
Cadaver
Equipment Design
Esophagus - anatomy & histology
Esophagus - injuries
Humans
Intubation - adverse effects
Intubation - instrumentation
Intubation, Intratracheal - adverse effects
Intubation, Intratracheal - instrumentation
Larynx
Larynx - anatomy & histology
Male
Medical sciences
Pharynx - anatomy & histology
Surface Properties
Trachea - anatomy & histology
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Summary:To understand the anatomical relationships of the Esophageal-Tracheal Combitube (ETC) with the larynx, pharynx, esophagus and trachea. An extensive dissection of the neck and thorax of a 70-yr-old caucasian male cadaver was done to expose the larynx, pharynx, trachea and esophagus. The ETC was inserted following the manufacturer's recommendations. Effects of the ETC on the surrounding structures were observed with the ETC first inserted in the esophagus and then, in the trachea. When inserted in the esophagus, the ETC produced marked bulging of the anterior wall of the esophagus and anterior displacement (4.5 cm) of the trachea. Inflation of the distal cuff of the ETC produced distension of the esophagus. When inserted in the trachea, the ETC also caused anterior protrusion. Protrusion of the anterior wall of the esophagus and distension resulting from inflation of the distal cuff could lead to esophageal injuries. These observations may explain the previously reported complications associated with the use of the ETC.
ISSN:0832-610X
1496-8975
DOI:10.1007/BF03013236