critical care medicine
How To Insert an Esophageal Tracheal Double Lumen Tube (Combitube) or a King Laryngeal Tube
Contraindications to Combitube or King Laryngeal Tube Insertion
Absolute contraindications There is no medical contraindication to providing ventilatory support to a patient; however, a legal contraindication (do-not-resuscitate order or specific advance directive) may be in force Restricted mouth opening that blocks tube insertion (nasotracheal intubation or a surgical airway would be indicated in this case) Impassable upper airway obstruction (surgical airway would be indicated in this case) Relative contraindications Consciousness or presence of a gag reflex Hypopharyngeal or esophageal abnormalities or trauma (which increase the risk of further local damage by a supraglottic airway) Combitube is not recommended for patients < 4 feet tall 