Esophageal tracheal combitube (ETC) for emergency intubation: anatomical evaluation of ETC placement by radiography

The esophageal tracheal combitube (ETC) is designed for emergency intubation. The ETC is inserted blindly allowing ventilation after either esophageal or endotracheal placement. A special pharyngeal balloon serves to seal the upper airways. In 10 cardiac arrest patients, emergency intubation with the ETC was performed. Blood gas analyses showed adequate ventilation. Radiography proved correct placement of the proximal and distal balloons in accordance with design theory. Hyperinflation experiments documented expansion of the proximal balloon into the oral cavity rather than towards the epiglottis.