Head Movement Effect on Different Tracheal Tubes

Effect of Head Movement on the Position of Different Tracheal Tubes Determined Radiologically

A breathing tube, which is used to secure the airway and allow ventilation of the lungs during general anaesthesia, is inserted into the windpipe either through the nose or mouth. In children, different formulas exist to determine the appropriate size of the tube according to age, and how far it should be advanced into the airway. Head movement can alter the position of the breathing tube, making it go in or come out too far. Different types of breathing tubes may also differ in their change of position with head movement. The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of the formulae commonly used in our institution for depth of breathing tube placement, and to measure the degree of tube displacement on head movement with different types of tubes.

Study Overview

• Status: Withdrawn
• Conditions: Intubation, Intratracheal; Head Movements

Detailed Description

An endotracheal tube, which is used to secure the airway and allow ventilation of the lungs during general anesthesia, is inserted into the trachea either through the nose or mouth. In children, different formulae exist to determine the approximate size of the tube according to age, and how far it should be advanced into the airway. Once a tracheal tube is inserted, its position is routinely checked to make sure both lungs are ventilated. To prevent displacement, the tube is taped to the lip, chin or at the nose. However, head movement could cause alteration of the tube position, and risk selective endobronchial intubation or inadvertent extubation. Knowledge of how the different tracheal tubes move with head position can help determine the best tube selection to reduce the risk of accidental tube advancement or removal, in cases where certain head positions are required for surgical access.

The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of the formulae commonly used in our institution for depth of breathing tube placement, and to measure the degree of tube displacement on head movement with different types of tube. Testing the formulae will enable us to be more aware of how frequently inaccurate tube placement may occur. Knowledge of how the different breathing tubes move with head position can help determine the best tube selection to reduce the risk of the tube going in too far or coming out accidentally, for cases were certain head positions are required for surgery.

• Study Type: Observational

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Canada
  • Ontario
    • Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5G 1X8
      • The Hospital for Sick Children

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 1 day to 6 years (Child)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

Fifty children undergoing any procedure in the Image Guided Therapy (IGT) department requiring tracheal intubation and chest X-ray, will be recruited and will be evenly distributed in three different age groups (0 to 6 months, 6 to 24 months, 24 months to 6 years).

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children undergoing any procedure in the Image Guided Therapy (IGT) department requiring tracheal intubation and chest x-ray

Exclusion Criteria:

• Premature neonates
• Patients with cranio-facial anomalies
• Cervical spine/upper thoracic anomalies
• Laryngomalacia/tracheomalacia
• Chronic hypoxemia (i.e. cardiac conditions with right to left shunts)
• Patients requiring positions other than supine

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: The Hospital for Sick Children
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Cengiz Karsli, MD, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto Canada

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start: April 1, 2007
• Primary Completion (Anticipated): December 1, 2008
• Study Completion (Anticipated): January 1, 2009

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: May 28, 2008
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 28, 2008
• First Posted (Estimate): June 2, 2008

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimate): May 4, 2016
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 3, 2016
• Last Verified: May 1, 2016

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: pediatrics; anesthesia; endotracheal tube; head movements
• Other Study ID Numbers: 1000010579