misplaced endotracheal tube

A misplaced or malpositioned endotracheal tube is a relatively common complication that is detected on post-intubation radiographs.

Complications

  • if the ETT is too high it can rub against the vocal cords and cause cord trauma
  • if the ETT is too low it can selectively intubate the right or left mainstem bronchus (see: endobronchial intubation)
  • esophageal intubation should be suspected with progressive gaseous distention of the stomach while the lung volumes remain low

Differential diagnosis

Siehe auch: