To develop an airway prediction model for infants under one year of age to provide accurate guidance for endotracheal tube size selection and insertion depth.
Approach:
Key Findings:
Age and preterm birth were identified as independent factors influencing the shortest cricoid cartilage diameter.
Prediction formulas were established for cricoid cartilage diameter and cricoid-to-carina distance based on age.
Interpretation:
Preterm infants may require smaller endotracheal tubes than full-term infants of the same age. Age is associated with cricoid-to-carina distance.
Limitations:
Lack of external validation.
Small sample size.
Highly specific surgical population.
Conclusion:
CT-based findings may support individualized airway management in infants, but broader validation is required before clinical generalization.
