Cuffed tubes have a low-pressure balloon around the tube to seal the airway and are used in adults and children 8 to 10 years and older. In younger children, the normal narrowing at the level of the cricoid cartilage serves as an anatomical cuff. Endotracheal tubes are indicated for use with patients who present with or are at risk for an impending respiratory failure, apnea, hypoxia, poor respiratory effort, absent or suppressed gag reflex, or inability to protect their airway. Endotracheal tubes provide a secure airway, protect against aspiration, and can also be used as a route to administer medications. There are disadvantages to the endotracheal tube.
Special equipment is needed for insertion.
The normal upper airway physiologic functions are bypassed so the air is not warmed, filtered, or humidified before it enters the lower airway. Intubated patients must have the air warmed and humidified prior to the breath entering the ET tube. Some of these complications are quite serious. Complications are listed below in Table 10. Barotrauma Infection Cricothyrotomy A cricothyrotomy is a surgical incision in the cricothyroid membrane to allow for rapid entrance to the airway for temporary ventilation and oxygenation.