Endotracheal tube connector defect causing airway obstruction in an infant

Abstract

A case of difficulty was recently encountered in ventilating an anaesthetised infant after intubating the trachea with size 3.5 mm endotracheal tube. It was found that the problem had occurred due to a manufacturing defect in the endotracheal tube connector where the connector was abnormally tapered and had an extremely narrow opening. The case underlines the need for a thorough check of each connector before use, especially for paediatric endotracheal tubes.