Comparison of cuff inflation method with curvature control modification in thermosoftened endotracheal tubes during nasotracheal intubation – A prospective randomised controlled study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Thermosoftening of endotracheal tube (ETT) is a simple method which reduces risk of epistaxis during nasotracheal intubation (NTI). This method, however, decreases the stiffness of ETT and necessitates frequent manipulation with Magill forceps. Cuff inflation technique has been found effective for navigating ETTs during NTI. Another method is using an ETT, modified with a silk thread which can be used to control its curvature. We conducted the present study to compare the ease of navigation of thermosoftened ETT using curvature control modificationwiththe cuff inflation technique. METHODS: Depending on the method used for navigating thermosoftened ETT to glottis, 70 patients undergoing general anaesthesia with NTI were randomly divided into two groups. The primary outcome was ease of navigation of thermosoftened ETT. Secondary outcomes were time taken for moving tube from oropharynx to glottis and incidence of epistaxis during NTI. RESULTS: Both techniques resulted in successful navigation of thermosoftened ETT in all patients with majority of cases resulting in smooth engagement to glottic inlet. The difference in ease of navigation between the groups was 7% [95% CI (−9.21% to 23.28%)] and it was not found to be statistically significant (P = 0.395). Cuff inflation method resulted in faster alignment to glottis compared to use of modified tube (12. 39 ± 7 Vs 18.73 ± 11.5 sec; P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: For thermosoftened ETT, both cuff inflation method and the technique of curvature controlled modified ETT can be used for navigation of tube to glottis with ease.