Bedside Ultrasound for Confirmation of Endotracheal Tube Placement in the Emergency Department

This prospective observational study evaluated the role of bedside ultrasound in confirming endotracheal tube placement in adult patients who underwent endotracheal intubation in the emergency department. Correct placement of the endotracheal tube is critical because unrecognized incorrect placement may cause hypoxemia, hypoxic brain injury, or death. In this study, bedside ultrasound was performed during or immediately after endotracheal intubation without interfering with the intubation procedure. Ultrasound findings were compared with capnographic end-tidal carbon dioxide measurement, which was used as the reference method for confirming tube placement. The main aim was to assess whether bedside ultrasound is a useful and reliable method for confirming endotracheal tube position in emergency department patients.