Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

The Rigid Tube as an Alternative in Controlling the Problematic Airway
Published on: June 6, 2020
Flow resistance of endotracheal tubes during kinking and compression. An experimental study
Abstract:
Kinking and compression of endotracheal tubes may lead to serious problems. Such complications are assumed to occur more often for smaller endotracheal tubes used in adult practise in order to reduce to trauma of intubation. The effect of kinking and compression on the air-flow through PVC endotracheal tubes of various dimensions (inner diameter 6, 7, 8 and 9 mm) and types (manufactured by National Catheters, Portex and Shiley) has been studied in an experimental model. All tubes could be kinked surprisingly much before a measurable flow hindrance occurred. Only small differences were measured between different dimensions and types. In contrast smaller endotracheal tubes were considerable less resistant to edge compression than larger dimensions.
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