New Device for Securing Nasotracheal Intubation Tube During Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Anesthesiology
• 3D Printing Technology

Background:

• Nasotracheal intubation (NTI) is crucial for oral and maxillofacial surgeries.
• Current fixation methods may lead to complications like tissue damage or tube dislodgement.
• A need exists for improved NTI fixation devices to enhance patient safety and surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel 3D-printed fixation device for nasotracheal tubes.
• To assess the incidence of complications associated with the use of this device in patients undergoing general anesthesia.
• To determine the impact of the device on intraoperative safety and surgical procedure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 335 patients who received nasotracheal intubation with the proprietary 3D-printed fixation device.
• Data collected on device-related complications, tube security, and surgical impediments.
• Analysis of patient outcomes including tissue damage, extubation, dislocation, and disconnection incidents.

Main Results:

• No cases of necrosis or permanent tissue damage were reported.
• Zero instances of unintentional extubation, tube dislocation, or disconnection from the anesthesia circuit occurred.
• The device provided excellent immobilization, preventing nasal ala injury and circuit disconnection, and facilitated capnometer sampling.

Conclusions:

• The 3D-printed nasotracheal intubation fixation device is safe and effective, significantly improving intraoperative safety.
• The device minimizes invasiveness and does not impede surgical procedures, offering consistent safety regardless of anesthesiologist proficiency.
• Further refinements are planned to enhance the device's safety features, with potential for wider clinical adoption.