Evaluation of the Esophageal Tracheal Combitube in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Frass M, Frenzer R, Rauscha F, Weber H, Pacher R, Leithner C Critical Care Medicine 1987 Vol 15 Pages 609-611

The authors describe the use of the esophageal tracheal combitube (ETC), designed for emergency intubation whether placed in the trachea or the esophagus. Effectiveness was evaluated in 31 patients during CPR. In all patients, insertion of the ETC was achieved successfully after 10-25 seconds. No tracheal placements occurred after blind insertion. Blood gases showed results comparable with a conventional endotracheal tube. The ETC has the following advantages: rapidly establishes an effective and safe airway with prevention of aspiration; easily inserted without requiring head and neck movement especially in patients with cervical spine injuries; as well as easy intubation technique without use of a laryngoscope. While highly trained paramedics can perform endotracheal intubation, its use is limited by the need to maintain intubation skills, the time taken to train them, and the shortage of training facilities. The authors conclude that the ETC provides a sufficient alternative to endotracheal intubation whenever ideal conditions or trained staff are not immediately available.