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Cuff failure in polyvinyl chloride tracheal tubes sprayed with lignocaine
A J Walmsley1, L M Burville, T P Davis
1Department of Anaesthesia, Bromley Hospital, Kent.
Anaesthesia
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Lubricating polyvinyl chloride tracheal tubes with lignocaine solutions can cause cuff rupture. Water lubrication maintained cuff integrity, while lignocaine sprays and solutions led to significant cuff damage and leakage.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Medical Device Engineering
Background:
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tracheal tubes are widely used in clinical practice.
- Tracheal tube cuff integrity is crucial for effective ventilation and preventing complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of different lubricating solutions on the integrity of PVC tracheal tube cuffs.
- To identify potential risks associated with common lubrication methods.
Main Methods:
- Thirty PVC tracheal tubes were lubricated with three different solutions: water, 4% lignocaine solution, and Astra lignocaine spray.
- Cuff integrity was assessed after 2 hours of inflation.
Main Results:
- Cuffs lubricated with water remained intact.
- Two of 10 cuffs lubricated with 4% lignocaine solution burst at the cuff attachment site.
- 50% of cuffs lubricated with Astra lignocaine spray burst, with pinholes or significant cuff distortion and thinning.
Conclusions:
- Lubrication with lignocaine solutions, particularly sprays, poses a significant risk of tracheal tube cuff rupture.
- Water is a safe alternative for lubricating tracheal tube cuffs.
- Findings highlight potential safety concerns with widespread use of PVC tracheal tubes and lignocaine lubricants.