[Nasal contralateral intubation: a new technique with a fiberoptic instrument]

Thirty adult patients were intubated with the help of a flexible fiberoptic instrument (FOI). The endotracheal tube was passed through the right nostril as in blind nasal intubation. At the same time the FOI was passed through the left nostril. This allowed an exact exploration for possible obstruction and an atraumatic and safe endotracheal intubation. By this means, it was also possible to alter exactly the position of the tube visually. This procedure presents distinct didactic advantages and helps to prevent false positioning of the tube and subsequent injuries. Indications, in particular its potential use in paediatric anesthesia, as well as its disadvantages, are discussed in the conclusion of this paper.