Determination of endotracheal tube size in a perinatal population: an anatomical and experimental study

Abstract

Background: This study aimed at correlating anatomical dimensions of the larynx and trachea to age and weight in a prenatal population. Endotracheal tube size determination was then proposed according to these considerations.

Methods: Anatomical measurements were obtained during 150 fetal and infant postmortem examinations. The optimal endotracheal tube size was determined by three methods: clinically, by a pressure method using calibrated inextensible balloons, and anatomically by comparing the laryngotracheal perimeter to the tube perimeters. Based on these results, recommended tube sizes were calculated.

Results: In premature babies before 37 weeks gestation, the optimal tube size according to pressure estimation was significantly greater than that determined by anatomical measurement alone. This difference was no longer valid after 40 weeks gestation.

Conclusions: This study identified the elasticity of laryngeal structures in premature babies, allowing intubation with tube sizes greater than predicted by anatomical measurements with an increasing injury risk located in the posterior part of the glottic plane. This elasticity disappears near 40 weeks gestation, and the injury risk then predominates in the subglottic region. These results lead the authors to recommend that the size of the endotracheal tube used in the perinatal population should be based on anatomical and experimental data to limit the injury risks.