Tracheal tubes have the following features:

• The tubes are curved with a left-facing bevel at the distal end
• Usually there is a hole in the TT wall opposite the bevel (Murphy eye), to allow ventilation, should the tube end become obstructed by the tracheal wall (Fig 1). In theory, it also enables Right Upper Lobe (RUL) bronchus ventilation if the TT is inserted too far, or the RUL bronchus arises from the trachea
• Distal cuff with a pilot balloon, to inflate/deflate at the proximal end. In most tubes this is a 'high volume, low pressure cuff' to reduce the risk of tracheal mucosal injury
• Proximal 15 mm connector for attachment to the anaesthetic circuit