Validation of the new intubation detector device: a manikin study

Abstract

This study was done to validate the utility of Umesh's intubation detector in detection of tracheal or oesophageal intubation in manikin using volunteers with different levels of experience in tracheal intubation (including novices). The Sim Man II, (Laerdal Medical AS, Norway) manikin was used. Two cuffed tracheal tubes of size 6.5 mm ID were used. One was passed into the trachea and the other into oesophagus. The device was connected to one of the two tubes as per randomisation table and three high quality chest compressions were performed. Each volunteer participated in the study twice. Their opinion regarding the tube position (in trachea or oesophagus or could not determine) was noted. A total of 50 volunteers participated in the study. Eleven of them had not observed intubation (novice), 29 had either only observed or had experience of <10 tracheal intubations (less experienced) and 10 had experience of >10 intubations or >1 year experience in tracheal intubation (experienced). Out of a total 100 performances, 99 were correctly identified. On one instance, a tube placed in trachea was incorrectly interpreted to be in the oesophagus by a novice. Umesh's intubation detector helps in rapid and reliable confirmation of tracheal intubation in manikin irrespective of the experience level of the assessor in tracheal intubation.