R.E.B.E.L.EM - January 31, 2019
"Author’s Conclusions:
Transtracheal sonography is a valuable adjunct with an acceptable degree of sensitivity and specificity for ETT confirmation. It should be considered when quantitative capnography is unavailable or unreliable.
Our Conclusion:
Confirmation of the ETT should be done using multiple techniques as no one singular method is perfect. With that said, Ultrasonography is another useful tool for confirming ETT placement when used in the hands of an experienced and well-trained sonographer. Judicious use is required as it may not be appropriate for all intubations and more importantly should not add to the difficulty of placing an ETT. The use of ultrasound should be considered in conjunction with other confirmatory methods such as but not limited to the following: chest and epigastric auscultation, end-tidal capnography, ETT condensation, visualization of chest expansion, clinical improvement, and chest x-ray."