. The optimal position of the endotracheal tube (ETT) within the trachea is the middle third portion, distal to the vocal cords. In addition to clinical assessments, methods such as posteroanterior chest radiography (PA-CXR) and fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) can be used to verify ETT placement.
In our study, we aim to explain the relationship between the most accurate endotracheal tube depth and various formulas by using fiberoptic bronchoscopy, with the help of four different formulas based on age, height, weight, and third finger length.The study further seeks to:
1. To identify the most accurate formula for estimating ETT placement depth in the pediatric population living in Turkey.
2. To reduce the potential complications that may arise from incorrect ETT depth.
3. To determine which formula, when verified by fiberoptic bronchoscopy, is also consistent with auscultation findings-especially in situations where chest radiography or fiberoptic bronchoscopy may not be readily available.
Who can participate
Age range
1 Year – 4 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1 , 2 or 3
* Patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures
* Informed consent must be obtained from both the patient and, if applicable, their parent or guardian.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients under 1 year old or over 4 years old
* Patients with tracheobronchial anomalies
* Patients with vertebral column anomalies
* Patients with a history of tracheostomy and difficult intubation
* Patients who do not want to be included in the study
* Children with finger anomalies and syndromic associations
* Cases requiring nasal intubation
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This study compared four different formulas for figuring out how deep to place a breathing tube in young children — has my child's care team reviewed this kind of research to decide which formula they use when placing a breathing tube under general anesthesia?
2Since this trial used fiberoptic bronchoscopy to actually verify where the breathing tube ended up, does my child's anesthesia team have a way to confirm the tube is positioned correctly during surgery, and what method do they use?
3This study focused specifically on children aged 1 to 4 years — given that my child falls in or near that age range, how does the anesthesia team account for the fact that tube placement formulas can vary in accuracy for young children?
4Now that this trial is completed, are there findings from this or similar studies that would change how the anesthesiologist determines the right breathing tube depth for my child's procedure?
5What are the risks if a breathing tube is placed too deep or not deep enough during my child's surgery, and how does the team monitor for and correct that during the procedure?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
To determine the correct depth of endotracheal tube insertion
Timeframe: only once
2
A comparative analysis of four formulas used to determine endotracheal tube positioning