Combitube is a medical device used in emergency situations to establish an airway in patients who are unable to maintain their own airway due to unconsciousness, intoxication, or other conditions. The Combitube is a tube-like device that consists of two separate lumens, or channels, that can be used to deliver oxygen and other gases to the patient through one lumen, and to suction secretions and vomit through the other.
The Combitube was developed in the 1980s by a company called Tyco Healthcare (now known as Covidien). The device was designed to be a simpler and more reliable alternative to other airway management devices such as the endotracheal tube (ETT) and the laryngeal mask airway (LMA). Unlike the ETT, which requires precise placement in the trachea through the mouth or nose, the Combitube can be inserted blindly through either the mouth or the nose. This makes it easier to use in emergency situations where time is of the essence and the patient may be uncooperative or have limited access to their airway.
One of the main advantages of the Combitube is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of patient populations, including adults, children, and infants, and in a wide range of emergency situations. It is particularly useful in situations where there is limited access to the patient's airway, such as when the patient has a beard or facial trauma, or when the patient is vomiting or has secretions in the airway.
The Combitube has several built-in safety features that make it an attractive option for emergency airway management. It has a low incidence of complications such as tube dislodgement, tube occlusion, and esophageal intubation, which can occur with other airway management devices. It also has a built-in cuff that can be inflated to seal the airway and prevent leakage of gases and secretions.
Despite its benefits, the Combitube has faced criticism in the medical community. Some studies have suggested that the Combitube may not be as effective at maintaining an airway as the ETT or the LMA, and that it may be more difficult to remove in the event of a failed insertion. In addition, the Combitube requires specialized training to use properly, and it is not suitable for all patients.
Overall, the Combitube is a valuable tool in the armamentarium of emergency airway management devices. While it may not be the best choice in every situation, it is an important option for healthcare providers to consider when caring for patients who are unable to maintain their own airway.
