Using Ultrasound to Confirm Endotracheal Tube Position in the Intensive Care Unit-Juniper Publishers
Juniper Publishers - Journal of Anesthesia Abstract Aim: To determine the accuracy of ultrasound in confirming endotracheal tube placement compared with standard techniques in the intensive care unit. Subject and Methods:: This was a prospectively designed study. Eligible patients were 18 years or older, that were admitted to the medical intensive care unit, that required endotracheal intubation due to their underlying clinical condition. An immediate post intubation Ultrasound examination was performed by an intensivist, who was not involved in clinical management of the patient and was blinded to the result of the standard confirmatory methods of endotracheal tube placement. The clinician performing the intubation was blinded to the results of the ultrasound examination findings. Results:: According to the standard method used to confirm proper endotracheal tube position, which includes clinical assessment by chest and epigastric auscultation, and a colome...