Protecting the tracheal tube cuff: a novel solution

We describe the successful insertion of a nasotracheal tube following repeated cuff rupture. The patient was a 55-year-old woman with a history of nasal trauma and multiple rhinoplasties, who underwent elective Lefort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy for correction of skeletal facial deformity. During fiberoptic bronchoscope-guided nasal intubation after the induction of general anesthesia, the tracheal tube repeatedly ruptured in both nares, despite extensive preparation of the nasal airways. We covered the cuff with a one-inch tape, intubated to the level of the oropharynx, pulled the tracheal tube out through the mouth, and removed the tape. The tracheal tube was then backed out to the level of the uvula, and was successfully advanced.