Instability of the tracheal tube in neonates. A postmortem study.

A postmortem study of the degree of displacement of the tracheal tube was performed on 13 neonates of varying birthweights. There was significant movement of the tube on flexion and extension of the neck, and on opening the infant's mouth. Our findings lend support to certain techniques of tracheal tube placement; the ultimate aim is to position it accurately.