Incorrect fixation of endotracheal tube: A cause of non-inflation of the cuff

Adequate control of endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff volume and pressure is essential during mechanical ventilation under general anesthesia or for ventilatory support in the Critical Care Unit. Over-inflation can lead to tracheal wall injury while under-inflation can result into a leak that can lead to difficulties in ventilating and oxygenating patients as well as an increase in the risk of aspiration. There are few case reports in the literature describing the causes of endotracheal tube cuff leak or inability to inflate or deflate the endotracheal tube cuff. We report the case of endotracheal tube cuff that could not be inflated/deflated due to the kinking/ obstruction of the inflation tube secondary to the fixation of the endotracheal tube.