NICU - we recently changed from Portex to Sheridan Ped-Soft (distributed by Hudson RCI) endotracheal tubes. Recently have had a problem with the size 2.5 tube.

Using 6FR catheter, started having difficulty suctioning to the end of the ETT. Looking at a new tube, I noted a "crimp" at the distal end which could be "felt" when passing the catheter.

I'm thinking that over time, the tube material got stiffer, less pliant. When suctioning, we couldn't pass through the stricture.

I really don't like these tubes -- while they do have numbers, there are no reference marks. Makes it really hard to verify tube placement.

Anyone else ever had a similar problem with these tubes?