Murphy's eye

Specialties CRNA

Published

Is the primary purpose of the Murphy's eye on the ETT to ventilate the right lung, or is there a more arcane purpose for it?

Thanks in advance!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This is a joke right. Right?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Actually, it's a good question. If I remember correctly, it provides another area for ventilation, in case one gets occluded with a mucous plug. I am pulling that out of the deep depth of memory and didn't look it up. I'm sure it is addressed in some new anesthesia techniques book.

Yoga.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Unfortunately it is not a joke. I was told something awhile ago that it had an additional purpose unrelated to ventilating the lungs, but I cannot remember what I was told. This subject has come up recently, and I could not find any references.

Perhaps the person that told me this was just pulling my leg and I fell for it, but whatever it was seemed to make sense at the time.

I am sorry I posted this seemingly ridiculous question

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks yoga CRNA!

We must have been posting at the same time and I did not see your response until after I posted.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Dorsch and Dorsch, Understanding Anesthesia Equipment, Fourth edition, page 562:

....shows a hole through the tube wall on the side opposite to the bevel. this is known as a Murphy eye, and a tube with this feature is called a Murphy or Murphy-type tube. The purpose of the eye is to provide an alternate pathway for gas flow if the bevel is occluded. ...Some tubes have a second eye on the bevel side. This may provide a measure of safety should the tube accidentally advance into the right mainstem bronchus.

PG

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Passin Gas,

Thanks for looking it up. It makes me realize how much anesthesia information I have stuffed into this brain for 44 years. There is a lot to know, but it is even better to know where to find the answer.

YogaCRNA

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much Passin' Gas!

Your posting answered my question and I am very grateful. These types of questions come up when I teach ACLS, and I wanted to make sure that I have the correct information to provide to the participants.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sorry RN-RD, my cynicism ran away with me. A CRNA early on in my training told me that the eye was to ventilate the right upper lobe in case of right mainstem intubation. I knew just enough to nod wisely while believing he was full of it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Now for the $25 000 QUESTION.

"What does RAE stand for concerning RAE tubes?"

(Please insert Jepopardy theme music here)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ring-Adair-Elwin...took three guys to come up with this one! I only remembered Ring and Elwin. Had to revisit Dorsch and Dorsch

PG

Up Vote Up Vote ×

And "show me the money!!"

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment