Use of an optical fiber scope to confirm endotracheal tube placement in pediatric patients

Citation
G. Reyes et al., Use of an optical fiber scope to confirm endotracheal tube placement in pediatric patients, CRIT CARE M, 29(1), 2001, pp. 175-177
Citations number
11
Categorie Soggetti
Aneshtesia & Intensive Care
Journal title
CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
ISSN journal
00903493 → ACNP
Volume
29
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
175 - 177
Database
ISI
SICI code
0090-3493(200101)29:1<175:UOAOFS>2.0.ZU;2-C
Abstract
Objective: To determine the efficacy of a portable optical fiber scope to c onfirm endotracheal tube (ETT) placement. Design: A prospective, nonrandomized, blinded study. Setting: Pediatric intensive care unit in a children's hospital. Patients: Thirty mechanically ventilated patients with an ETT in place. Interventions: Patients entered into the study underwent ETT placement dete rmination by chest roentgenogram (CXR) and by the optical fiber scope. Measurements and Main Results: Thirty patients were entered into the study, for a total of 46 measurements (n = 46), ETT size ranged from 3.0 to 6.0 m m internal diameter. Distance from the ETT and the carina was determined by the scope and compared with the distance measured on the CXR. No statistic al difference was found between the two methods. None of the patients exper ienced clinically significant side effects from the procedure. On three occ asions, the presence of secretions in the ETT did not allow for the visuali zation of the carina by the scope. Conclusion: The use of a flexible optical fiber scope is an accurate, fast, and practical method to determine ETT placement in pediatric patients on m echanical ventilation.