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Use of Sonography for Rapid Identification of Esophageal and Tracheal Intubations in Adult Patients
Author(s) -
Muslu Bunyamin,
Sert Hüseyin,
Kaya Ahmet,
Demircioglu Rüveyda Irem,
Gözdemir Muhammet,
Usta Burhanettin,
Boynukalın Kadriye Serife
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of ultrasound in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.574
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1550-9613
pISSN - 0278-4297
DOI - 10.7863/jum.2011.30.5.671
Subject(s) - medicine , sonographer , esophagus , tracheal intubation , tracheal tube , laryngoscopy , intubation , airway , surgery , endotracheal tube , glottis , larynx , radiology , ultrasound
Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of sonography for verifying tracheal tube placement within 3 seconds in adult surgical patients. Methods This was a blinded prospective randomized study. The anesthesiologist placed the tracheal tube randomly in the trachea (n = 75) or in the esophagus (n = 75) with direct laryngoscopy. A sonographer identified all tracheal and esophageal intubations. The transducer was placed transversely on the neck just superior to the suprasternal notch. The position of the tracheal tube was determined by the sonographer within 3 seconds of tracheal tube placement in the trachea or in the esophagus. Results We successfully identified 150 correct tracheal tube placements in tracheas and esophagi, resulting in sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval, 84%–100%) and specificity of 100% (95% confidence interval, 84%–100%). Conclusions This investigation shows that sonography for confirming tracheal intubation is a fast and effective technique.