Proper preparation of the Trachlight™ and endotracheal tube to facilitate intubation

Abstract

time incurred by tube change and the higher gas flow required when using uncuffed tubes8 also adds cost, not to mention the stress of tube change on the patient. Finally, there is always a higher theoretical risk of dispersion of infectious droplets when ventilating with an uncuffed tube a child with a highly communicable respiratory ailment. This was a consideration during the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong in 2003. The availability of cuffed pediatric endotracheal tubes adds versatility to anesthesia practice. There is no doubt that cuffed pediatric tracheal tubes will continue to improve and their full potential will be realized. Meanwhile, we agree with Dr. Cox that the choice between cuffed and uncuffed pediatric endotracheal tubes should not be routine; that is just another reason why pediatric anesthesia can be so challenging and interesting.