Abstract
Study objective: Tape is the standard method for securing endotracheal tubes to prevent extubation. This study examines the force required to extubate endotracheal tubes from cadavers with either tape or one of 4 commercially available endotracheal tube holders. Methods: Newly deceased, unembalmed cadavers were intubated with standard tracheal intubation techniques. The endotracheal tube was secured with either tape or one of 4 commercially available endotracheal tube holders. The endotracheal tube was then connected to a force-measuring device and pulled until the cuff was removed from the trachea. The largest force recorded on the device was then marked as the "extubation force" for that trial. Results: When tape was used to secure the endotracheal tube, it required a significantly larger force to extubate than 3 of 4 off-the-shelf endotracheal tube holders. Only the Thomas Tube Holder secured the endotracheal tube better than tape. Conclusion: Although the Thomas Tube Holder had the greatest holding force in this study, tape was shown to be the least expensive and outperformed 3 other commercially available devices used to secure endotracheal tubes.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 686-691 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Annals of Emergency Medicine |
Volume | 50 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Emergency Medicine