Dead space

[Fontana, David]

Hi Tug
In adult patients the dead space created by a catheter mount is
insignificant. We use them on all anaesthetised patients, both
ventilated and spont venting.In paeds and neo-nates however the dead
space becomes a significant issue, and should be avoided.
We do not routinely cut ET tubes because it can lead to problems with
unrecognised endo bronchial intubation and tube dislodgement.
Best

David.

David R Fontana RN
Dip.App.Sci; B.Nsg(N.Ed.); PGrad.Dip.Adv.Clin.Nurs(Melb)
Associate Nurse Manager, Anaesthesia & Post Anaesthesia Care
Frankston Hospital
03 9784 7400
DFontana at phcn.vic.gov.au


-----Original Message-----
From: trauma-list-bounces at trauma.org
[mailto:trauma-list-bounces at trauma.org] On Behalf Of
tuganddawn at talktalk.net
Sent: Thursday, 20 September 2007 21:46
To: trauma-list at trauma.org
Subject: Dead space


Hello everyone,

   I recently had a conversation with a Paramedic colleage who suggested
that if you intubate a patient (prehospital) with an uncut ETT you
should not use a cobb connector (the corrugated plastic tubing betweeen
BVM and tube) because of the excessive dead space created. Though I
appreciate that we are using manual ventillation I disagreed with this
in adult patients due to the relatively small size of these connectors.
   I appreciate that this is an extremely basic question but I am
curious to see what the consensus is.
   Thanks for your time and patience ladies and gents and look forward
to your responses.

  Take care and Kindest Regards

FF Tug Crumpton SR para
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