Accidental Endotracheal Tube Displacement in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Randomized Comparison of Three Different Endotracheal Tube-securing Tapes.

Background and aims: Several materials and techniques are used for securing the endotracheal tube (ETT). This randomized, controlled trial was conducted to compare three different types of fixation tapes: (1) Cloth-based, nonadhesive, nonelastic tape (gauze tape); (2) Silk-based, adhesive, nonelastic tape (Durapore™); and (3) Cloth-based, adhesive, elastic tape (Dynaplast™), with the primary objective to compare the incidence of displacement (≥1 cm) of ETT in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Patients and methods: This randomized prospective comparative trial was conducted on 150 ICU patients, of either gender between 16 and 80 years of age requiring endotracheal intubations. All patients were randomly allocated into groups A, B, and C. Endotracheal tube was secured with gauze tape, Durapore™, and Dynaplast™ in groups A, B, and C, respectively, with uniform technique. The final insertion depth of the ETT was marked, and displacement ≥ 1 cm was recorded. Ease of fixation, time taken, need for assistance, adhesive quality, and skin changes were also recorded and compared.

Results: Endotracheal tube displacement ≥ 1 cm over 24 hours was recorded in 58.7, 35.4, and 29.8% of patients in tape gauze, Durapore™, and Dynaplast™, respectively (χ ² = 11.372, p = 0.011). Durapore™ and Dynaplast™ were quicker and easier to apply, but with a high incidence of skin complications.

Conclusion: Although no single material emerged superior in all aspects, our findings highlight the trade-offs between ease of application, risk of skin complications, and fixation security. The ideal fixation material may vary depending on patient characteristics, clinical context, and institutional resources.

How to cite this article: Md Ansari PH, Arun N, Dev A, Verma A. Accidental Endotracheal Tube Displacement in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Randomized Comparison of Three Different Endotracheal Tube-securing Tapes. Indian J Crit Care Med 2025;29(5):418-423.