an endotracheal tube which facilitates rapid intubation of the trachea , especially in situations where anatomical variation creates difficult intubating conditions , includes a portion that can be bent during placement to control the position of the distal end of the tube . the distal end of the endotracheal tube may be selectively curled or bent by a mechanism or fluid passage accessible from the proximal end of the endotracheal tube . the endotracheal tube provides for manipulation of the insertion end without occluding the lumen of the tube , to facilitate placement of the tube .