Transtracheal ultrasonographic confirmation of endotracheal intubation using I-gel and an endotracheal tube introducer.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of transtracheal ultrasonography in confirming the placement of an endotracheal tube introducer during endotracheal intubation using the I-gel supraglottic airway as a guide.

METHODS

In this prospective study, endotracheal intubation using an endotracheal tube introducer through the I-gel was performed in patients with return of spontaneous circulation after I-gel insertion for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The introducer placement was assessed by the occurrence of hyperechoic artifacts within the trachea or esophagus in transtracheal ultrasonography. Results of ultrasonography were confirmed by waveform capnography in the case of tracheal artifacts and direct visualization by laryngoscopy in the case of esophageal artifacts.

RESULTS

One hundred and six patients were enrolled in this study. In transtracheal ultrasonography, artifacts of introducer in the trachea and esophagus were observed in 80 (75.5%) and 26 (24.5%) patients, respectively. Transtracheal ultrasonography in identifying the placement of introducers revealed a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 95.4 to 100), specificity of 96.3% (95% CI 81.0 to 99.9), a PPV of 98.7% (95% CI 92.0 to 99.8), and a NPV of 100% (95% CI 94.8 to 99.9).

CONCLUSION

Transtracheal ultrasonography is an accurate method for identifying introducer placement during endotracheal intubation using an endotracheal tube introducer through the I-gel.