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Gum elastic bougie, capnography and apnoeic oxygenation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 August 2006

F. A. Millar
Affiliation:
Department of Anaesthesia, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
G. L. Hutchison
Affiliation:
Department of Anaesthesia, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
R. Glavin
Affiliation:
Victoria Hospital, Glasgow and Scottish Anaesthesia Simulator Centre, Stirling Royal Infirmary, Stirling, UK
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Abstract

Background and aim This study assessed the accuracy of using capnography with a modified, hollow gum elastic bougie in predicting tracheal intubation, and its effectiveness as a method of apnoeic oxygenation.

Methods Patients were randomly allocated to having the gum elastic bougie inserted, under anaesthesia, in the trachea or the oesophagus. End-tidal carbon dioxide measurements were made at 10 and 20 s. The position of the gum elastic bougie was correctly predicted in 89.2% of patients. We tested the apnoeic oxygenation on an anaes-hetic simulator model, which is housed in the Scottish Anaesthesia Simulator Centre, Stirling, UK.

Results The time taken for the oxygen saturation to fall to 90% was significantly prolonged when the gum elastic bougie was used for apnoeic oxygenation.

Conclusion The modification of the gum elastic bougie allows a more objective assessment of correct placement than the previous tactile method. The current design of bougie is unsuitable but can be modified.

Type
Original Article
Copyright
2001 European Society of Anaesthesiology

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