Tracheoscopy with the rapiscope to verify endotracheal tube placement.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether tracheoscopy is an accurate and quick method for verifying correct placement of the tracheal tube after intubation.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized study.


METHODS
Operating rooms of a teaching hospital.


METHODS
26 patients scheduled for surgery and general anesthesia.


METHODS
8.0-mm tracheal tubes were inserted into both the trachea and the esophagus. Tracheoscopy was performed consecutively through both tracheal tubes by a variety of clinicians.


METHODS
The times taken to correctly identify the trachea and the esophagus were recorded.


RESULTS
Correct identification of either the esophagus or the trachea occurred with a 100% sensitivity and a 96% specificity. The mean time to recognize either the trachea or the esophagus was 22.0 seconds.


CONCLUSIONS
Tracheoscopy is a reliable method for quickly verifying proper endotracheal placement of a tracheal tube.
D000768:Anesthesia, General; D020680:Bronchoscopes; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004947:Esophagus / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D014132:Trachea / Q000033:anatomy & histology*