Antireflex endotracheal tube in clinical practice

Objective. To analyze the effectiveness, advantages, limitations and prospects of antireflex endotracheal tube for perioperative tracheal intubation. Material and methods. Original questionnaire was presented to anesthesiologists from 6 intensive care units of two multi-field hospitals of Vladivostok city. Survey results were processed using descriptive statistics. Results. A sociological survey of anesthesiologists was devoted to antireflex endotracheal tube for general anesthesia in 302 elective and 133 emergency surgeries. A 2% lidocaine solution was used for local anesthesia of tracheal mucosa above the cuff. The respondents noted lower intraoperative need for anesthetics in 59.5% of responses, analgesics in 35% of responses and muscle relaxants in 61% of responses. More than half of participants (78%) observed more stable intraoperative hemodynamic effects. Lower consumption of drugs for general anesthesia naturally led to early post-anesthetic rehabilitation in 54% of cases. Local anesthesia of antireflex endotracheal tube site eliminated unpleasant sensations after extubation in 68% of cases. The majority of respondents saw prospects of antireflex endotracheal tube for prevention and treatment of post-intubation syndrome (75%), local anti-inflammatory therapy (84%) and accelerated postoperative rehabilitation (89%). Conclusion. Antireflex endotracheal tube meets the criteria for effectiveness and safety of patient treatment along with traditional airway management. Respondents identified the main advantages of this tube: no reaction upon awakening, no negative hemodynamic response following tracheal extubation after surgery and smooth recovery of consciousness in early postoperative period. About 90% of participants indicated possible inclusion of this tube into fast track protocols. Although the advantages of antireflex endotracheal tube are recognized by most anesthesiologists, there are controversial opinions on the quality of this product and availability in hospitals.