ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Pediatr.
Sec. Neonatology
Optimal Nasotracheal Tube Insertion Depth in Neonates
Provisionally accepted
- 1University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- 2Neonatology, Insel Gruppe AG, Bern, Switzerland
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1.1.1 Aim Existing recommendations for nasotracheal endotracheal tube (ETT) insertion depth in neonates have shown remarkable consistency over decades and have recently been prospectively evaluated in clinical practice. However, large prospective datasets systematically validating biometric predictors and quantifying expected variability remain limited. This study aimed to confirm established nasotracheal ETT depth recommendations using a large prospective cohort and to translate these findings into a standardized, evidence-based bedside reference. 1.1.2 Methods We analyzed 497 nasotracheal intubations performed between 2017 and 2023 in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. Tube position was prospectively assessed after each intubation using standardized chest radiography. Optimal ETT placement was defined as the tube tip located between the clavicles and at least 1 cm above the tracheal carina. Clinical and biometric parameters were systematically recorded, and their associations with insertion depth were evaluated using LOESS curves and linear regression models. 1.1.3 Results Across a wide range of gestational ages and body weights, body weight at the time of intubation showed the strongest and most consistent association with optimal nasotracheal ETT insertion depth (adjusted R² = 0.88; RMSE = 0.52). Based on these findings, an evidence-based chart with defined tolerance ranges and a complementary web-based decision-support tool were developed to facilitate standardized bedside estimation. 1.1.4 Conclusion In this large prospective cohort, body weight at the time of intubation was confirmed as the most reliable single predictor of optimal nasotracheal endotracheal tube insertion depth in neonates. Our findings support established reference ranges and provide quantitative confirmation across a broad spectrum of gestational ages and body weights. By translating these data into a concise, evidence-based bedside chart and a complementary digital reference, this study strengthens confidence in existing recommendations and supports standardized clinical practice, while emphasizing the need for clinical judgement and post-intubation verification.
Keywords: endotracheal tube insertion depth, Intubation, Nasotracheal intubation, neonates, preterm
Received: 18 Dec 2025; Accepted: 30 Jan 2026.
Copyright: © 2026 Tippmann, Haan, Mildenberger, Wackernagel and Kidszun. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Susanne Tippmann
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