Schmidt J, et al. - In this observational study conducted at two German academic medical centres, researchers evaluated flow-controlled ventilation (FCV) in mechanically ventilated patients undergoing ear, nose and throat surgery as well as assessed its potential for future use. As per exclusion criteria, cases with planned laser surgery, intended fibreoptic awake intubation, emergency procedures, increased risk of aspiration, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status more than III and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease classified as GOLD stage more than II, were not included in the study. Peri-operative FCV was provided by a new type of ventilator (Evone) via a narrow-bore endotracheal tube (Tritube). Every 5 min, they recorded minute volume, respiratory rate, intratidal tracheal pressure amplitude (Δp) and end-tidal CO₂ (P _etCO₂). They found that FCV achieved adequate P _etCO₂ levels with minute volume and Δp in the normal range. If the patient coughs, an increase in the chances of tube dislocations may be seen due to Tritube's high flow resistance. For short-term mechanical ventilation, FCV presents a novel option, although further assessment is needed. To the armamentarium for airway management, the contribution of the successful operation of FCV with narrow-bore tubes has been suggested.