Endotracheal Tube Size Child - Equation for Children (Emergency Use)

Description

The appropriate size of the endotracheal tube to use in an emergency is important to ensure optimal oxygenation and to minimize trauma during insertion. The proper size in children can often be determined from age.

Type of endotracheal tube:

(1) Uncuffed tubes are used for small children.

(2) Around the age of 7 or 8 cuffed tubes start to be used.

As a general rule, the diameter of the endotracheal tube should be the same as the diameter of the child's little finger.

Endotracheal Tube Size for Children

Age of the Patient	Internal Diameter in mm
1 to 6 months	3.5 – 4.0
6 –12 months	4.0 – 4.5
2 years	4.5 - 5.0
4 years	5.0 - 5.5
6 years	5.5 - 6.0
8 years	6.0 - 6.5
10 years	6.5
12 years	7.0
>= 14, female	7.0
>= 14, male	8.0

estimated internal diameter of uncuffed endotracheal tube in mm for children up to 8 years of age =

= ((age of child in years) + 16) / 4

Depth of Insertion

For orotracheal intubation in children up to around 10 years of age:

distance of insertion from the lips in cm =

= (age in years) + 10

Age in Years	Distance from Lips to Mid-Trachea in cm	Distance for Nasal Tubes to Mid-Trachea in cm
1 to 6 months	11 cm	12-13 cm
6 to 12 months	12 cm	14 cm
2 years	13 cm	15 cm
4 years	14 cm	16 cm
6 years	15-16 cm	17-18 cm
8 years	16-17 cm	18-19 cm
10 years	17-18 cm	19-20 cm
12 years	18-22 cm	21-25 cm
>= 14	20-24 cm	23-27 cm

from Stone and Gal, Table 39-5; adding 2-3 cm for nasal tubes to oral length

Suction Catheter Size

Internal diameter of endotracheal tube in mm	Suction catheter tube size required
2.5	5 French
3.0	5 French
3.5	6 French
4.0	8 French
4.5	8 French
5.0	10 French
5.5	10 French
6.0	10 French
6.5	10 French

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Description

Specialty

Objective

ICD-10

Endotracheal Tube Size in Children

Purpose: To determine the endotracheal tube size needed for a child.

Description

Specialty

Objective

ICD-10