Tracheal Ultrasound for the Accurate Confirmation of the Endotracheal Tube Position in Obese Patients

Endotracheal intubation is a commonly performed procedure within the healthcare system. Options for placement confirmation include direct visualization of the tube pass through the cords, fogging in the tube, carbon dioxide colorimetry, end tidal Co2, breath sounds, radiography and bronchoscopy. Breath sounds are often used as the first confirmatory method but are unreliable especially in obese patients. The goal of this study was to evaluate an alternative bedside test that could be used to quickly confirm tube placement in this patient population.
Source: The Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Source Type: research