Idea Exchange: An endotracheal tube holder with a twist
To create an economical and practical endotracheal tube holder, cut a 1-ft length from a used IV line.
To create an economical and practical endotracheal tube holder, cut a 1-ft length from a used IV line (cut it longer for large dogs or smaller for cats and small dogs). Then cut off the bases of two 1-ml tuberculin syringes. The base is the winglike part at the opposite end of the hub. Fold the IV line in half, and thread the middle of it through the two syringe bases, creating two loops. Place the bottom loop around the endotracheal tube, and push the syringe base so it is tight around the tube. Once the pet is intubated, place the upper loop around the patient's muzzle or behind its ears. Adjust the upper syringe base to make the tubing snug.
Heather Mennenga, CVT
Bloomingdale, Ill.
