 The " armored " endotracheal tubes are cuffed , wire @-@ reinforced silicone rubber tubes . They are much more flexible than polyvinyl chloride tubes , yet they are difficult to compress or kink . This can make them useful for situations in which the trachea is anticipated to remain intubated for a prolonged duration , or if the neck is to remain flexed during surgery . Most armored tubes have a Magill curve , but preformed armored RAE tubes are also available . Another type of endotracheal tube has four small openings just above the inflatable cuff , which can be used for suction of the trachea or administration of intratracheal medications if necessary . Other tubes ( such as the Bivona Fome @-@ Cuf tube ) are designed specifically for use in laser surgery in and around the airway . 
