COMPARISON OF THE COMBITUBE(R) WITH AN EN DOTRACHEAL-TUBE DURING PREHOSPITAL CARDIOPULMONARY-RESUSCITATION

A prospective controlled study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of the Combitube(TM), a combined endotracheal and esophageal obturato r airway adjunct, in prehospital cardiac arrest patients. The Combitub e(TM) and a standard endotracheal tube were utilized on alternate days as the initial airway of choice by paramedics. Of altogether 86 patie nts treated during the study period, intubation was possible in 80 cas es, 38 receiving a Combitube(TM) as initial choice of airway. 11 out o f 14 patients who could not be intubated with a standard endotracheal tube were then successfully managed with a Combitube(TM). Survival fol lowing cardiac arrest after insertion of a Combitube(TM) was comparabl e to conventional endotracheal intubation. Of the 6 patients who survi ved 2 had received a Combitube(TM), 2 a standard endotracheal tube and 2 an oropharyngeal tube. While visualized endotracheal intubation rem ains the preferred method of airway control, the Combitube(TM) is an e ffective airway as backup to the endotracheal tube, as well as a prima ry airway, especially outside hospital. Contraindications are listed.