Airway Management

Question 1

Describe the process of placing an endotracheal tube

Answer 1

• Using a larygoscope and blades
• Pick the largest size possible
• Based on nasal septal width and tracheal palpation
• Premeasure from incisors to the tracheal inlet

Question 2

Describe the problems of red rubber ET tubes and describe how silicone and PVC ones are better

Answer 2

RR- Prone to cracking, irritant, not possible to visualise blockages
PVC+S- Less prone to kinking, Non irritant, Allows blockage to be visualised

Question 3

Descrbe the benefits of armoured ET Tubes

Answer 3

Wire coil embedded in wall

• Resist kinking but more difficult to place without stylet
• Contraindicated in MRI

Question 4

Describe a cole patterned ET tube

Answer 4

Shoulder should impact on larynx = gas tight seal
Movement and IPPV tend to dislodge
- Useful with exotics

Question 5

Describe supraglottic airway devices and when they are used

Answer 5

• Covers the glottis
  V gels in rabbits
  I gels in Cats

Question 6

Give two advantages and two disadvantages of supraglottic airway devices

Answer 6

ADV
- protects airway
- Ippv possible
- Easy insertion with reduced risk of damage
DISADV
- Easily rotated
- Less seal pressure
- Not suitable for laryngeal and pharyngeal surgery

Question 7

Describe the potential complications of endotracheal tubing in cats

Answer 7

• Trauma and largeospasm
• Lidocaine induced oedema
• Over inflam of cuff - tracheal rupture

Question 8

What does capnography measure

Answer 8

Alveolar ventilation

Question 9

What does spiromotery measure

Answer 9

Preasure and flow loops (important in IPPV)

Question 10

What is a normal end tidal CO2

Answer 10

35-45mmHg