Combitube

The Combitube—also known as the esophageal tracheal airway or esophageal tracheal double-lumen airway—is a blind insertion airway device (BIAD) used in the pre-hospital and emergency setting. It is designed to provide an airway to facilitate the mechanical ventilation of a patient in respiratory distress. The Combitube—also known as the esophageal tracheal airway or esophageal tracheal double-lumen airway—is a blind insertion airway device (BIAD) used in the pre-hospital and emergency setting. It is designed to provide an airway to facilitate the mechanical ventilation of a patient in respiratory distress. It consists of a cuffed, double-lumen tube that is inserted through the patient's mouth to secure an airway and enable ventilation. Generally, the distal tube (tube two, clear) enters the esophagus, where the cuff is inflated and ventilation is provided through the proximal tube (tube one, blue) which opens at the level of the larynx. In the rare instance where the distal tube intubates the trachea, ventilation is provided through the distal tube. Inflation of the cuff in the esophagus allows a level of protection against aspiration of gastric content similar to that found in the laryngeal mask. The simplicity of placement is the main advantage of the Combitube over endotracheal intubation. When intubating with a traditional endotracheal tube, care must be taken to visually ensure that the tube has been placed in the trachea while the dual-lumen design of the Combitube allows for ventilation to proceed regardless of esophageal or tracheal placement.