Airway Exchange with Airway Exchange Catheter (AEC)

Last updated: February 9, 2026

Equipment Comparison

• Aintree Intubation Catheter: A hollow, semi-rigid catheter designed to accommodate a fiberoptic scope for guided intubation.
• Airway Exchange Catheter (AEC): A solid or hollow catheter that cannot accommodate a fiberoptic scope but is used to maintain airway access during tube exchange.

Procedure for AEC Use

1. Mark the airway exchange catheter (AEC) at the same depth as the current ETT.
2. Insert the AEC through the existing ETT.
3. Remove the existing ETT while carefully maintaining the position of the AEC.
4. Advance the new ETT over the AEC into the trachea.