What is the mark?
Click image to enlarge
A. A foreign body
B. Position of the subglottic suction lumen of the endotracheal tube
C. An orthopedic implant
D. Some form of electrode
E. Normal variant
Answer: B. The mark shows the position of the subglottic suction lumen
Figure. The TaperGuard Evac endotracheal tube (courtesy of Covidien) as used in ICU, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong. The arrow points to the suction tubing being connected to a continuous low wall suction of -20mmHg. Intermittent suction is also an option.
This TaperGuard series of endotracheal tube incorporates a unique, taper-shaped cuff made from polyvinylchloride (PVC) that is designed to substantially reduce the risk of microaspiration. The TaperGuard Evac endotracheal tube additionally provides for secretion drainage through an integrated suction lumen. As a result, the TaperGuard Evac endotracheal tube is associated with a reduction in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
Reference
1. Covidien Announces Global Launch of Mallinckrodt(TM) TaperGuard(TM) Line of Endotracheal Tubes here
2. Covidien Receives FDA Clearance For Its Mallinckrodt™ TaperGuard™ Evac Endotracheal Tube here