Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Difficulty Inserting Cuffed Endotracheal Tubes in a Child: A Case Report
Keiko Imai1, Taku Doi, Kenji Kayashima
1From the Department of Anesthesia, Japan Community Health Care Organization, Kyushu Hospital, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan.
Abstract:
We experienced difficulty inserting cuffed inner diameter (ID) 4.5- and 5.0-mm endotracheal tubes (ETTs) in a 5-year-old boy. Postoperative ultrasound investigations showed that the internal transverse width of the cricoid cartilage was 8.0 mm. The maximum outer diameter (OD) of the deflated cuff portion of the cuffed ID 4.5- and 5.0-mm ETTs was 8.5 and 9.6 mm, respectively. The OD of an uncuffed ID 5.5-mm ETT was 7.6 mm; this tube passed the cricoid cartilage. Hence, the transverse width of the cricoid cartilage and ETT diameter including cuff folds should be considered when selecting cuffed ETTs.
Related Concept Videos
Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Endotracheal Intubation I: Procedure
The ET tube comprises various components, including a standard adaptor to attach a bag-valve-mask (BVM) or ventilator, a cuff, a pilot balloon, and radiopaque markings along its length to measure the insertion distance. The tube sizes...
Endotracheal Intubation II: Nursing Management
1. Nursing Care of Patients Before Intubation
Before the endotracheal intubation procedure, nurses play an essential role in ensuring the process goes smoothly. The nurses must be familiar with intubation...
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask and...
Endotracheal Tube Extubation
Procedure
Extubation removes the endotracheal tube (ETT) from the patient on mechanical ventilation. It requires a well-coordinated, multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

