Two equations have been reported that describe the intubation distance for an orotracheal tube in pediatric patients.
Patient selection: pediatric patient
Parameters:
(1) height in centimeters
equation of Morgan and Steward for the distance to intubate from the front teeth in cm =
= (0.10 * (height in cm)) + 5
equation of Hunyady et al for the distance from the front teeth to the carina in cm =
= (0.12 * (height in cm)) + 5.2
The distance from the tip of the endotracheal tube to the carina is important to avoid bronchial intubation. The Morgan and Steward equation represents 79-100% of the front teeth to carina distance. The risk of reaching the carina is greatest in infants under 6 months.
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