[Nitrous oxide induced intraluminal tube obstruction during endotracheal intubation with armored tubes (author's transl)]

As demonstrated by a case report, dangerous obstruction of armoured endotracheal tubes may occur when using nitrous oxide during anaesthesia. This is based on N2O diffusion into preexisting air bubbles of the inner part of the tube wall with consequent enhancement of the bubble volume. The bubbles in the tube wall arise during production as well as during resterilisation. Avoidance of resterilisation and meticulous examination of endotracheal armoured tubes should prevent the described complication.