An emerging clinical paradigm: the cuffed pediatric endotracheal tube.

The use of a cuffed endotracheal tube (ET) has been discouraged in children up to 8 years of age. Recent literature suggests that this age-old argument is empirical rather than scientifically based. This AANA Journal course will examine the history of pediatric endotracheal intubation, suggested methods for choosing the appropriately sized ET emerging literature describing the advantages and disadvantages of the use of the cuffed ET in young children, and potential clinical problems that develop with the use of the currently available, manufactured, cuffed pediatric ETs.