[Examination of a new tube connector concerning the ventilation-leakage during intraoperative bronchoskopy and bronchal suction].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Intra-operative bronchial suction and bronchoscopy regularly diminishes ventilation pressures and volumes and causes a leakage of narcotic gases. This study was undertaken to compare the influence of a newly-developed connecting tube with check valve on these problems.

METHODS

Examinations were carried out in a pressure controlled test lung with ventilation pressures between 5 and 50 mbar. Usual tube connectors and newly developed connectors with check valve were examined with respect to ventilation pressures, ventilation volumes, and leakage before and after insertion of suction catheters and bronchoscopes.

RESULTS

Using normal connectors, ventilation pressures and volumes collapsed even at lowest expiratory pressures, and significant leakage occurred. The insertion of catheters or bronchoscopes had only little beneficial effects. In contrast, the new connectors with check valve showed only small leakage, even at high ventilation pressures.

CONCLUSION

The new tube connectors with check valve allow intra-operative suction and bronchoscopy under constant ventilation parameters with minor leakage of anaesthetic gas.