Drugs watchdog warns over faulty endobronchial tubes

Anaesthetic nurses have been urged by the government's medicines watchdog to identify and return faulty endobronchial tubes.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said there is a risk of plastic debris breaking from the intubating stylet and entering the patient's airway from the affected items.
 
All sizes of the Robertshaw PVC disposable endobronchial tubes, manufactured by Phoenix Medical, must be returned to the manufacturer, the MHRA said.

The tubes are used during thoracic surgery where it is necessary to isolate one lung.

The manufacturer has recalled all stock supplied directly to NHS trusts but affected devices may have been distributed via third party suppliers.