Endotracheal Tube Migration in Steep Trendelenburg Position With the Estape TrenMAX Positioning System

The extent of endotracheal tube (ETT) migration was studied in 25 adult female patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic gynecologic surgery while in a steep Trendelenburg position secured with the Estape TrenMAX positioning system (Innovative Medical Products, Plainville, CT, USA). In four patients, the distance from the tip of the ETT to the carina did not change. In three patients, the distance from the tip of the ETT to the carina decreased by 1 centimeter (cm). In other patients, the distance from the tip of the ETT to the carina decreased by 0.2 to 0.5 cm. We concluded that the tip of the ETT moves closer to the carina in patients put in the extreme Trendelenburg position. These results were in alignment with the evidence base created by other researchers.