Two different endotracheal tube manufacturing defects

Abstract

Introduction: Although manufacturing defects related to airway equipment are not so common in practice, it risks the safety of the airway. Prompt recognition of equipment malfunction can prevent life threatening complications. Case Series: Case 1: A 25­year­old patient had anesthesia induction for septorhinoplasty surgery. After the patient was ventilated via mask and intubated without problem, peak and plateau pressures increased above 35 cm H 2 O on controlled ventilation. It was noticed that the anesthetic reservoir bag did not maintain adequate compliance in a setting of high peak and plateau pressure and was thought to be due to a faulty endotracheat tube (ETT) connecter. We noticed that lumen of ET tube connector was narrow and connecter has been changed. After this change the relaxation of the balloon and a decrease in the ventilator pressures were noted. Case 2: A 45­year­old female patient had anesthesia induction for hysterectomy. After induction it was noted that there was a leak in the circuit, which was traced to the connection between the ETT and the inflation tube. An opening at the point of the connection of the EET with the inflation tube was detected. ETT was changed and anesthesia was maintained with no further problems. Conclusion: Difficult ventilation after successful endotracheal intubation can be due to equipment failure such as faulty ETT connecter and faulty inflation tube.