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Bronchoscopic Versus Airway Exchange Catheter-Guided Endotracheal Tube Exchange
Sponsor: Léo Franchetti
Summary
This prospective experimental study compares two methods for replacing an endotracheal tube in Thiel-embalmed body donors. The conventional method uses an airway exchange catheter based on the Seldinger technique, whereas the investigational method uses a flexible bronchoscope to provide direct visual guidance throughout the exchange. The primary outcome is the duration of interrupted ventilation, measured from cessation of ventilation until ventilation is resumed through a correctly positioned replacement tube. Secondary outcomes include unsuccessful tube exchange requiring complete reintubation, duration of individual procedural steps, procedures lasting more than 60 seconds, use of additional rescue equipment, and unforeseen technical difficulties. Both techniques will be performed in two Thiel-embalmed donated human bodies using an alternating sequence. Four experienced physicians will perform 40 tube exchanges per technique, resulting in a total of 80 procedures.
Official title: Bronchoscopic Endotracheal Tube Exchange as an Alternative to Airway Exchange Catheter-Guided Tube Exchange: A Prospective Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
2
Start Date
2026-07-10
Completion Date
2026-07-10
Last Updated
2026-09-25
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Airway Exchange Catheter-Guided Endotracheal Tube Exchange
The existing tube fixation is released. A Cook airway exchange catheter is advanced through the in-situ endotracheal tube into the tracheobronchial tree. Ventilation is interrupted, the cuff is deflated, and the old tube is removed over the catheter. A new endotracheal tube is advanced over the catheter, the catheter is removed, the cuff is inflated, ventilation is resumed, and tube position is verified by lung auscultation.
Bronchoscope-Guided Endotracheal Tube Exchange
The replacement tube is preloaded onto a therapeutic flexible bronchoscope. The bronchoscope is advanced alongside the in-situ tube through the larynx into the trachea, and proximal tracheal secretions are suctioned. Ventilation is interrupted and the old tube is removed. The replacement tube is advanced over the bronchoscope into the trachea under direct visual control. The bronchoscope is removed, the cuff is inflated, and ventilation is resumed.
Locations (1)
Unversity Hospital of Basel
Basel, Switzerland