• Chen-Hwan Cherng, Chih-Shung Wong, Che-Hao Hsu, and Shung-Tai Ho.
• Department of Anesthesiology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, No. 13, Lane 61, Wan-Shou Road, Mu-Ja, 116 Taipei, Taiwan. cherng1018@sinamail.com
• J Clin Anesth. 2002 Jun 1;14(4):271-4.

Study ObjectiveTo estimate the optimal endotracheal tube (ETT) length in orotracheally intubated patients.DesignProspective study.SettingOperating room of a medical center hospital.Patients293 ASA physical status I and II patients (150 male and 143 female), requiring general anesthesia and orotracheal intubation.InterventionsWe used fiberoptic bronchoscope within the ETT to identify the carina and vocal cords.MeasurementsThe length from carina to vocal cords, vocal cords to right mouth angle (corner), and carina to right mouth angle were measured. The optimal ETT tip was defined as 5 cm above the carina. Patient's height and sternum length were recorded.Main ResultsThe correlation between airway length and body height was significant. By linear regression, a formula was obtained to estimate the optimal ETT length in orotracheally intubated patients: the length from 5 cm above carina to right mouth angle (cm) =< body height (cm)/5> - 13.ConclusionThe optimal insertion length of the ETT for orotracheally intubated adult patients with the head placed in a neutral position is correlated with body height. The proposed formula can provide a useful guide to determine the optimal ETT tip position in most of the patients who required orotracheal intubation.

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