A method for ventilating patients during laryngoscopy

Abstract

Abstract A method of ventilating patients during laryngoscopy was described in 40 patients. The technique used a combination of a small endotracheal tube and a high pressure oxygen jet with general anesthesia. A plastic chest tube 3.5 mm internal diameter (I.D.) was used as an endotracheal tube. The patients were ventilated with intermittent high pressure oxygen jet (50 p.s.i.) using a 1.5 mm I.D. intravenous plastic catheter introduced into the end of the endotracheal tube. Three holes were made in the proximal end of the endotracheal tube to permit air entrainment which was measured. Anesthesia was obtained with sodium thiamylal and In‐novar®. Muscular relaxation was maintained with succinylcholine. Arterial blood gases were monitored and showed adequate ventilation in the majority of the patients. In 18 patients the endotracheal pressure was measured. In two instances the pressure was elevated (35 cm H 2 O). No postoperative complications occurred. This technique was useful, safe, and well accepted by the surgeons. The authors consider that this technique avoids the disadvantages of conventional endotracheal anesthesia as well as those of the ventilating laryngoscope. It is contraindicated in patients with poor lung and chest wall compliance, particularly the obese. Subsequent to this study, 85 additional patients were similarly anesthetized without complications.