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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Optimal Tube Length

P.S. asks, "How do I know that the tube is the correct length?"

Answer: It is important to ensure that the tube is neither too short nor too long.  If the tube is too short, it can be easily dislodged.  If too long, the tube can become "mainstemmed" in the right bronchus.  It can also cause other symptoms such as high airway pressures, discomfort, or continuous coughing by its constant irritation against the tracheal wall.

In order to determine optimal position of the tube within the airway, a chest x-ray can be beneficial, but a bronchoscope can be used to directly visualize the position of the tube.