Endotracheal tube movement in the preterm neonate: oral versus nasal intubation

Endotracheal intubation of a preterm infant cadaver was performed both orally and nasally to assess the relative movement of the endotracheal tube with changes in head position. For each method of intubation, anteroposterior radiographs were obtained with the head in neutral, flexed, extended, and laterally rotated positions. The results indicate slightly increased movement of the nasotracheal tube with flexion and rotation, and markedly increased movement with extension. The possible relationship between tube movement and the development of subglottic stenosis is discussed.