SMALL TUBES REVISITED

We measured the peak inflation and end expiratory pressure at the prox imal and distal ends of two sizes of tracheal tube in men and women re ceiving positive pressure ventilation. There was a statistically signi ficant increase in proximal inflation pressure when the smaller size o f tube (6.5 mm for men, 6.0 mm for women) was used. There was no incre ase in distal inflation or end expiratory pressures. Clinically satisf actory positive pressure ventilation was obtained when 6.0 and 6.5 nun tracheal tubes were used. The advantages and disadvantages of using s mall sizes of tracheal tube are discussed.