Occlusion of the pilot tube in a Laser-Shield II endotracheal tube caused by methylene blue crystals: A case report

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The Laser-Shield II (Xomed-Treace, Jacksonville, FL) endotracheal tube is equipped with methylene blue crystals to aid in the prompt detection of tube cuff rupture. As the tube cuff is being inflated with saline, the crystals are supposed to dissolve fully in the saline, forming a solution that is readily visible in the event of cuff rapture. We describe a case of occlusion of the pilot balloon tube caused by undissolved methylene blue crystals, a situation that made it impossible to deflate the Laser-Shield II tube cuff. Our experience may aid in future modification of endotracheal tube design.

Keywords

Equipment and supplies: endotracheal tube, pilot balloon valve, Extubation, intratracheal: complications, Laser surgery

Publication Date

9-1-1998

Publication Title

Journal of Clinical Anesthesia

ISSN

09528180

Volume

10

Issue

6

First Page

522

Last Page

523

PubMed ID

9793821

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1016/S0952-8180(98)00070-1

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