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[Tracheal tube damage by Harmonic Scalpel during tonsillectomy]
M Hayakawa1, Y Morimoto, O Kemmotsu
1Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638.
Masui. the Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology
|February 24, 2001
Summary
A Harmonic Scalpel damaged a tracheal tube during tonsillectomy due to its cuff's position. Anesthesiologists must understand new surgical tools to prevent such Harmonic Scalpel injuries.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Tonsillectomy is a common surgical procedure.
- General anesthesia requires tracheal intubation for airway management.
Observation:
- A case of tracheal tube damage during tonsillectomy using a Harmonic Scalpel is reported.
- The specific device involved was a Polar Preformed Tracheal Tube.
Findings:
- Sudden massive air leakage occurred 45 minutes into the surgery.
- Post-extubation examination revealed the tracheal tube's inflation cuff was severed by the Harmonic Scalpel.
- The damage was attributed to the cuff's dorsal positioning within the Polar tube, near the surgical field.
Implications:
- This incident highlights a potential risk associated with Harmonic Scalpel use in tonsillectomy.
- Anesthesiologists need to be aware of the specific design characteristics of new surgical equipment.
- Careful patient positioning and awareness of instrument proximity are crucial to prevent tracheal tube injury.
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