Use of WuScope for exchange of endotracheal tube in a patient with difficult airway.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a method for the exchange of a defective endotracheal tube using the WuScope in patients with difficult airways who cannot tolerate interrupted ventilation.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

METHODS

Detailed description of proposed modality for the endotracheal tube exchange.

RESULTS

Exchanging a defective endotracheal tube in patients with a "difficult airway" and compromised oxygenation can be a challenging task. Performing fiberoptic visualization with the WuScope and using a "double intubation" technique may be an acceptable method for endotracheal tube exchange in some clinical situations.

CONCLUSION

By using our technique the exchange of an endotracheal tube in a patient with a difficult airway may be achieved without interrupting the ventilation.