Comparison of endotracheal intubation techniques in llamas

• Published in: Canadian veterinary journal Vol. 50; no. 7; pp. 745 - 749
• Main Authors: Byers, Stacey R, Cary, Julie A, Farnsworth, Kelly D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada Canadian Veterinary Medical Association 01-07-2009
• Subjects: Animals; Camelids, New World; endotracheal intubation; epiglottis; Female; Intubation, Intratracheal - adverse effects; Intubation, Intratracheal - methods; Intubation, Intratracheal - veterinary; larynx; llamas; Male; methodology; normograde intubation; respiratory system; retrograde orotracheal intubation; Scientific; trachea (vertebrates); veterinary equipment; veterinary medicine
• ISSN: 0008-5286

This study evaluated a retrograde orotracheal intubation technique and compared it to the traditional normograde intubation technique used in llamas. Oral anatomical features, which can impair visualization of the epiglottis and laryngeal structures, and the production of excessive salivary secretions make it difficult to establish an airway under emergency conditions. Normograde intubation involves placing a stylet through the mouth into the trachea and advancing the endotracheal tube over the stylet into the trachea. For retrograde intubation, a nested trochar with cannula is placed into the cervical trachea and a stylet is advanced through the cannula and out the mouth. The endotracheal tube is advanced over the stylet back into the trachea. Our evaluation of both techniques found no statistical difference in time to place the stylet or endotracheal tube; however, fewer attempts were needed to place the tube using the retrograde technique. We found the retrograde technique to be a viable option for intubating llamas.