Tracheal Rapid Ultrasound Exam (T.R.U.E) for Confirming Endotracheal Tube Placement in Emergency Intubation

Reliable endotracheal tube (ETT) insertion confirmation is essential for critically ill patients. Incorrect placement causes a high rate of mortality and morbidity. Therefore, early detection of accidental esophageal intubation must be a primary focus of emergency airway efforts in emergency department (ED). Although many techniques have been suggested to verify the ETT placement, there is currently no entirely reliable method. Ultrasonography (US) is an indispensable and easily accessible tool in ED. Several studies of ultrasonographic confirmation of ETT position provided promising results in cadaver model or patient in a controlled operating room setting.In this study, the investigators have proposed a protocol called T.R.U.E, an acronym for tracheal rapid ultrasound exam, to confirm the ETT position in emergency intubation. This method provided a fast, real-time examination to prevent esophageal or endotracheal intubation.