An alternative technique for nasotracheal intubation.

Surgical procedures on structures of the oral cavity or the mandible may require nasotracheal intubation to allow for surgical access. Even with appropriate technique, trauma to the nasopharynx may occur, resulting in bleeding. The authors describe an alternative technique involving the placement of the flanged end of a red rubber catheter over the distal tip of the endotracheal tube (ETT) to decrease the potential for trauma as the ETT passes through the nasopharynx.