To the Editor:—

Dominguez 1described a simple method of monitoring end-tidal carbon dioxide in spontaneously breathing adults during deep sedation. He fashioned a nasopharyngeal airway connected to a 15-mm endotracheal tube connector. This apparatus was then connected to an anesthesia circuit in the usual fashion with side-stream carbon dioxide sampling at the elbow.

This same apparatus can also be used in children with ankyloglossia for frenectomy during general anesthesia. A 20-French nasopharyngeal airway (Rusch, Duluth, GA) is connected to a 15-mm endotracheal tube connector from a 5.5-mm endotracheal tube. This device allows spontaneous ventilation, relieves airway obstruction, and allows the surgeon to work uninterrupted, as opposed to administering intermittent mask ventilation.

1.
Dominguez E: Carbon dioxide monitoring during deep conscious sedation using nasopharyngeal airways (letter). A nesthesiology 1999; 91:1177–8