What is the use of endotracheal intubation?
A endotracheal tube “ETT” is used for many reasons and is sometimes left in place for many weeks. Years ago they had high pressure low volume cuffs and could only be kept in for a couple of days without risking necrosis and tracheostomys were often done, but since the 80’s they use low pressure high volume cuffs and so are often kept in longer before resorting to a tracheostomy. I work at a major pediatric trauma and transplant center in the US and so our practice might not be the same as centers with different patient populations. I will contradict Chrissy on three points 1. The purpose of the cuff is not to keep the ETT in place. It is quite easy to remove an ETT with the cuff inflated, but this causes airway trauma and should never be done. The purpose of the cuff is to seal the airway so as to allow for positive pressure ventilation without leaks. The ETT is actually kept in place either by taping it to the face or by the use of head gear. 2. The anatomy of the pediatric airway USU
