[Finding appropriate tube position by the cuff palpation method in children].

The present study was designed to examine whether palpation of the endotracheal tube cuff indicates appropriate positioning in the children. In 59 children, we used a cuffed endotracheal tube (3.5-5 mm ID) to measure the distance from the carina to the distal tip of the endotracheal tube, when we can palpate the endotracheal tube cuff between the cricoid cartilage and the suprasternal notch. Following slow induction of anesthesia and muscle relaxation, each patient was intubated with a cuffed endotracheal tube of size suitable for age. The cuff was inflated with 0.5-1 ml of air, and palpated between the cricoid cartilage and the suprasternal notch. The distance between the carina and the tube tip measured by a fiberscope was more than 1.0 cm, which is thought to be safe to prevent bronchial intubation. The cuff was deflated after measurement. There were no complications attributable to use of cuffed endotracheal tubes. We concluded that the cuff palpation method was a rapid, reliable and simple technique to ensure the proper tube position in children.