MediAI

  Endotracheal Tube at the Carina: Radiographic Pitfalls and Clinical Implications Figure 1.  Endotracheal tube at the carina. In this example, the tip of the ETT (yellow arrow) is too close to the carina (orange arrow), and is at the origin of the right main bronchus. In this position, there is a risk of overventilation of the right lung and underventilation of the left. Introduction Endotracheal intubation is a cornerstone of airway management in critical care and emergency settings. Proper placement of the endotracheal tube (ETT) is crucial for effective ventilation and the prevention of potentially life-threatening complications. Radiographic evaluation of tube position, particularly using chest X-ray, is the most common and immediate method for confirmation after intubation. This article delves into a critical case scenario where an ETT was placed at the level of the carina, outlining its clinical significance, radiographic characteristics, and the potential complicat...