Effects of lubricants on the stylet removal from endotracheal tubes

METHODS: This QA study was approved by our institution. A total of 210 new stylets and ETTs were used. Each new stylet was loaded into the ETT, with or without lubrication, with a 90 bend at 7 cm from the distal tip. The lubricants used were: sterile water (W), silicone fluid (S), Xylocaine spray (X), Xylocaine Gel (G), AMG gel (A), Lacrilube (L), and none (N). Work analysis was completed at 0, 5, and 30 mins, and at 1, 3 and 24 hours after the stylet was loaded into the ETT. Five stylets and ETTs were used for each lubricant and at each time point.