Influence of Head Positioning on the Movement of the Endotracheal Tube

Influence of Head Positioning on the Movement of the Endotracheal Tube

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and measure the movement of the endotracheal tube depending on the type and the amount of movement of the head of the patient intubated using a flexible fiberoptic.

We performed a maximal head-neck movement trial on 50 adult patients, American Society of Anaesthesiologists 1 or 2. Patients with body mass index N35 kg · m-2, height b150 cm, airway malformations, pulmonary diseases, difficulties in neck flexion or extension, previous ENT surgery or radiotherapy, gastroesophageal reflux, or dental instability were excluded from the study.

We measured the change in distance between the ETT tip and the carina, using a fiberscope through the ETT.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients older than 16 years
• ASA 1-2
• Elective surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pathological changes of the trachea.
• Less than BMI 35 kg/m2.
• Patients with rheumatoid arthritis or other limitation to cervical mobility.
• Emergency surgery.
• Individuals measuring less than 150 cm.