What are the two main types of endotracheal tubes used in CCT?

The two main types of endotracheal tubes used in Critical Care Transport (CCT) are cuffed and uncuffed tubes. Cuffed tubes are equipped with an inflatable balloon that encircles the tube just below the cuff. This design allows for a secure seal within the trachea, reducing the risk of air leakage, preventing aspiration of secretions, and providing better ventilation control. Cuffed tubes are particularly crucial in critical care settings, as they help maintain airway patency and provide positive pressure ventilation.

Uncuffed tubes, on the other hand, do not have an inflatable cuff. They are typically used in pediatric patients or in specific scenarios where airway swelling is a concern, and the volume of air or secretions may not need sealing off from the trachea. While they provide ease of placement and less risk of injury to the delicate tracheal tissues, they do not offer the same level of airway security as cuffed tubes.

In CCT scenarios, the choice between cuffed and uncuffed tubes depends on the patient's age, size, clinical condition, and specific airway management needs, making the distinction between these two types critical.