Successful retrograde tracheal intubation using a central venous catheterization set: two cases

Abstract

Retrograde tracheal intubation (RTI) is an airway management technique requiring relatively simple skills that can be learned easily and retained. However, proper RTI equipment is not generally available in many ED. RTI requires through-the-needle catheters and flexible-tip guidewires, which are included in the more generally available central venous catheterization set. We performed RTI using the central venous catheterization set in two patients with obstructed airways where specific RTI equipment was unavailable and demonstrated successful intubation in both cases. Our method might be a useful alternative for RTI in situations where the purpose-specific equipment is unavailable.