Comparing Bronchoscope-Guided and Airway Exchange Catheter Techniques for Endotracheal Tube Replacement in Preserved Human Body Donors

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are comparing two techniques for replacing an endotracheal tube using human bodies preserved with the Thiel embalming method. The study evaluates the conventional airway exchange catheter method against a bronchoscopic method that provides direct visual guidance during the tube exchange. This experimental study aims to measure the time ventilation is interrupted during tube replacement and assess other procedural outcomes. The conventional method involves advancing an airway exchange catheter through the existing tube, followed by tube removal and replacement over the catheter. The bronchoscopic method uses a flexible bronchoscope to visually guide the replacement tube into the trachea while suctioning secretions. Four experienced physicians will perform 80 tube exchanges in total, alternating between the two methods across two donated body donors. Participants in this study are human body donors, not living patients. The procedures will be timed and monitored by trained observers who will record ventilation interruption time, procedural steps, technical difficulties, and equipment use. Video or photographic documentation may be used to verify timing, while the donors face remains covered to protect identity. The studys main measurement is the duration of ventilation interruption during tube exchange, with several secondary outcomes assessed during each procedure.

Bronchoscopic Versus Airway Exchange Catheter-Guided Endotracheal Tube Exchange