Basic Chest Radiology: ET Tube Position and Complications

ET tubes are commonly placed for pulmonary ventilation, to protect the airway, and for patients with chest trauma. Normally the tip of the ET tube should be 5-7 cm above the carina - roughly between the T5-6 and T6-7 intervertebral discs. The balloon cuff - which seals the airway to allow lung inflation - should be less than 1.5 X the trachea diameter, to avoid causing tracheomalacia. Complications of ET tubes include intubation of either main-stem bronchi (tube too low), esophageal intubation, over-inflation of the balloon, and barotrauma causing pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema. MedPix® Teaching Files - rad.usuhs.edu/m... MedPix® is a Registered Trademark of USUHS

[@AJohnson0325]

To me, I think that not recognizing an esophageal intubation until the results of the CXR are available is below the standard of care. Hopefully that patient did ok. I always auscultate in 5 places starting with the epigastic area immediately after tube placement for that reason, then upper and lower lung fields of each lung, then colorimetric CO2 and use continuous capnography if available. Thanks for the video. I learned something.

[@nightelf7701]

This video was exactly what I needed; thank you!!

[@dangmateo00]

Very informative. I was just looking at the upper and lower airway anatomy and came across with carina and it’s significance in ETT placement. This video is brief but very comprehensive. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

[@motokhy7506]

Thank you very much for excellent examples and explanations. keep it up

[@Babychildandco]

Great presentation

[@farjane14]

Very good lecture!

[@sekharraj4390]

Excellent