Multiple sites of impingement of a tracheal tube as it is advanced over a fibreoptic bronchoscope or tracheal tube introducer in anaesthetized, paralysed patients

Abstract

Impingement of the tracheal tube on upper airway structures occurs commonly during advancement over a fibreoptic bronchoscope or introducer. In this descriptive study a fibrescope was used to assess the site and mechanism of tracheal tube impingement during advancement over a variety of fibreoptic bronchoscopes and introducers during orotracheal intubation in anaesthetized adults. The effect of the 90° counterclockwise rotation manoeuvre in overcoming impingement was also assessed. We recorded impingement at the right arytenoid, left arytenoid, epiglottis, interarytenoid tissue and the left pyriform fossa. Our study found a wider range of sites at which impingement may occur than in previous studies. We also found that when 90° counterclockwise rotation of the tip of the tracheal tube was achieved, the impingement was reliably overcome.