Endotracheal Tube Connector as Oxygen Flow meter Control Knob

New innovations and ideas happen all the time. Some are planned and others not. Necessity plays a key role in the birth of new inventions that are very rewarding at the time of need. In the past various objects like theatre register [1], Magill's forceps [2], Endotracheal tube connector [3] have been used for purposes other than their conventional use. We report the successful use of an endotracheal tube connector as oxygen flow meter control knob. The oxygen flow meter control knob of the anesthesia machine in the accident and emergency department broke down accidentally during the course of operation putting the anesthesia team in dilemma. Changing of anesthesia machine was not possible as there was no buffer stock. While looking for a possible solution to this problem, we came across the idea of using endotracheal tube connector as replacement for the knob. Size 4.0 mm endotracheal tube connector wedged well with the stem of flow control knob (Fig. 1). It provided smooth and easy control of oxygen flow. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) recommends that oxygen control must look and feel different from the other controls present on flow meter. [4,5] Definitely not up to the standards of ASTM but it looked and felt differently. We conclude that such inexpensive innovations can help in tiding over the crisis and protocols should not restrain their use.

Endotracheal tube connector wedged with the stem of oxygen flow control knob with inset showing stem without oxygen flow control knob.