title: The esophageal detector bulb in the aeromedical setting.
abstract: To determine the accuracy of the Esophageal Detector Bulb (EDB) in the aeromedical setting, we conducted a prospective, observational study of all intubated patients transported by an aeromedical program over two years. Flight personnel recorded the results of the EDB, clinical examination, pulse oximetry, and capnography (ETCO(2)). Endotracheal tube position was confirmed by prehospital ETCO(2) or by the receiving emergency physician. There were 104 EDB assessments in 53 patients. The EDB correctly identified four of five esophageal intubations and 96 of 99 tracheal intubations. The sensitivity and specificity of the EDB in the detection of an esophageal intubation were 80% (95% CI, 38-96%) and 97% (95% CI, 92-99%), respectively, and the overall accuracy was 96% (95% CI, 90-98%). The EDB augments the ability of an aeromedical crew to determine endotracheal tube position, but its results must be carefully interpreted in the context of other available means of confirmation of endotracheal tube position.
authors.affiliation: UCSF-Fresno, University Medical Center, Fresno, California 93702, USA.
authors.forename: Gregory W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Hendey
authors.forename: Greggory S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Shubert
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shalit
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hogue
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine / Q000379:methods; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000401:Aircraft; D019296:Capnography; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D004947:Esophagus; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity