Tip Of Endotracheal Tube Research Articles

Microbiological comparison of the disinfecting efficacy of small and large cotton swabs in nasotracheal intubation: a randomized trial

BackgroundNasotracheal intubation (NTI) is necessary during surgeries requiring clear access to the surgical field and in patients with respiratory issues. This study investigates the pre-NTI nasal disinfection efficacy of different cotton swab sizes, hypothesizing that smaller swabs could minimize bleeding while maintaining disinfection efficacy.MethodsPatients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists-physical status (ASA-PS) class 1 or 2 scheduled for general anesthesia with NTI were randomly assigned to either a large cotton swabs (LCS) or fine cotton swabs (FCS) group in this randomized controlled trial (RCT).” After anesthesia, a fine cotton swab was inserted into the inferior nasal meatus in both groups to collect bacteria (sample A). Next, the nasal cavity was disinfected with LCS or FCS according to the patient group. Bacteria were collected by inserting a fine cotton swab into the inferior nasal meatus (sample B). After surgery, bacteria were collected from the endotracheal tube tip using a fine cotton swab in both groups (sample C). The samples were cultured for 24 hours, and the colonies from samples A–C were counted. The changes in bacteria count between samples A and B and samples A and C were determined. Nasal bleeding from cotton swab insertion was assessed as a secondary outcome. Student’s t-tests, a chi-square independence test, and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for the statistical analysis. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05.ResultsBetween samples A and B, the change in bacteria count was 7.2% (1.4–26.1%) (median[interquartile range]) in the LCS group and 6.9% (0.9–22%) in the FCS group (p = 0.90). Between samples A and C, the change in bacteria count was 7.5% (0.2–44%) in the LCS group and 8.3% (0.3–39%) in the FCS group (p = 0.55). We examined 62 subjects in each group (LCS and FCS), and samples A, B, and C were collected from all participants in both groups. Nasal bleeding occurred in 42/62 in the LCS group and 22/62 in the FCS group (p < 0.01).ConclusionCotton swab thickness did not impact disinfection efficacy, but large swabs increased the risk of nasal bleeding. We recommend FCS for nasal disinfection prior to NTI in ASA 1–2 patients, as they reduce bleeding risk without compromising disinfection.Trial registrationUMIN-CTR (registration no. UMIN000051495), June 30, 2023.

74 Reducing unplanned extubations in a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit - the nuts and bolts of UE bundle implementation

Abstract Background Unplanned extubations (UEs) are preventable adverse events that may lead to short term consequences (e.g. cardiopulmonary collapse) and long term sequelae (e.g. acquired airway injury, brain injury) for patients admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). UE prevention care bundles have been demonstrated to reduce UE rates in NICUs; however, implementation of bundle elements is unit dependent. Objectives To describe the work of a UE Prevention Team in a Level 3 NICU with rising UE rates despite implementation of UE prevention bundle per Children’s Hospital Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS). Design/Methods A neonatologist / respiratory therapist pair was assembled in March 2022 to tackle rising UE rates in a 69 bed NICU. Contributing unit stressors included implementation of a new electronic health record, COVID-19 policies, and nursing shortages. Baseline UE rates were &amp;gt;3x the centerline for SPS network NICUs and likely underreported. Steps undertaken include: 1) daily audit to ensure reporting of all UEs, 2) structured post-event team debriefs, 3) unit education campaign to raise awareness of UE prevention and bundle elements, 4) prominent posting of last UE date and reporting on daily team huddle, 5) rapid UE case reviews and apparent cause analysis with reporting of findings unit-wide, 6) optimize endotracheal tube (ETT) securement methods, 6) enforce T2-T3 ETT tip position, 7) standardize x-ray frequencies and reporting, 8) trial of daily rounds ETT safety checklist. Results From rapid case reviews, apparent causes were determined to be incorrect ETT securement device sizing, taping method prone to loss of tape integrity in high humidity, high ETT positions, and inadequate ETT monitoring during high risk activities other than repositioning (invasive/painful procedures, diaper changes). Post-event structured debriefs and unit-wide vigilance increased reporting of UE events to 100%. UE rates fell from a peak of &amp;gt;4 UEs/month, &amp;gt;2.4/100 ventilation days to 1 UE/month, 0.465/100 ventilation days, a 80% reduction.(Figure 1) Most impactful interventions were standard x-ray reporting template in the electronic health record, reinforcing T2-T3 ETT tip positioning, correcting ETT holder sizing, and change in ETT method (Figure 2). Daily rounds checklist was not effective. UE reductions were achieved without changing patient ratios as nurse staffing shortages continued. Conclusion A nimble systems approach is needed to ensure success in implementation of UE prevention care bundles. Simple changes can be made to decrease UEs, guided by rapid case reviews.

Application of placing the anterior end of endotracheal tube at the glottis in laryngeal mask airway positive ventilation during general anesthesia: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

Glottic contraction and closure causes ventilation obstruction and laryngeal mask airway (LMA) leakage during positive pressure ventilation using LMA. This study aimed to assess the effect of placing the anterior end of the endotracheal tube (ET) at the glottis through the LMA ventilation conduit on treating LMA leakage following glottic contraction and closure. In this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, patients with non-minor surgery using LMA ventilation were randomly allocated to the i-gel group (group L) and the i-gel combined with ET group (group LE). The tip of ET was placed 2 cm under glottis guided by fiberoptic bronchoscope through i-gel ventilation conduit in group LE. The perioperative incidence of i-gel leakage, the changes of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) following artificial airway insertion, and adverse events were recorded. Perioperative i-gel leakage was observed in 7 of 48 patients (14.6%) in group L and 1 of 49 patients (2.0%) in group LE. There was significant difference in the incidence of leakage between the 2 groups (P = .031). SBP and HR after ET insertion in group LE increased significantly compared to those in group L (P < .05/5). The values of both SBP and HR after ET insertion did not exceed the basic values in group LE (P > .05/4). There were no significant differences in the incidence and severity of postoperative sore pain and hoarseness, cough during i-gel and ET removal between the 2 groups (P > .05). Placing the anterior end of ET at the glottis reduced LMA air leakage related to glottic contraction and closure in non-minor surgery. The ET placing had low stress response and did not significantly increase postoperative complications.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia – An unwanted terror and a loathsome burden on the health-care cost in the recent era

Ventilator-associated pneumonia – An unwanted terror and a loathsome burden on the health-care cost in the recent era

Accuracy in placing oral cuffed endotracheal tube to correct depth in Indian adults based on conventional guidelines

Background &amp; Aims: Precise positioning of oral Endotracheal tube (ETT) anytime is difficult however if attained will ease complications of its misplacement. The accuracy in positioning oral cuffed ETTs to the correct depth in Indian adults following conventional guidelines was sought for. Methods: This study was conducted upon 240 adults ageing 20 to 60 years of both sex, who required endotracheal intubation at operation rooms or already intubated due to any reason admitted in CCU of BSMC&amp;H, Bankura, West Bengal, excluding patients with hemodynamic instability and upper airway deformities. Oral ETT intubation was performed and ETT fixed at incisors following conventional guidelines. ETT tip to Carina distance was measured with fiberoptic bronchoscope thereafter. The power of study was kept at 0.95. Obtained data were evaluated with descriptive and inferential statistical tests by Microsoft Excel 2016. Results &amp; Conclusions: Only 60% (n=144) of ETTs were found to be accurately positioned. In the rest 40% (n=96) of misplaced ETTs, the majority (91%, n=87) were placed too deep. Predetermined fixing the ETTs at 21 cm and 23cm mark in females and males respectively leads to deep placement in 36% of them. Hence, we can declare that securing ETT at midline according to the conventional guidelines doesn’t match our Indian people.

A Randomised Control Study Comparing Ultrasonography with Standard Clinical Methods in Assessing Endotracheal Tube Tip Positioning.

Airway ultrasound has been increasingly used in correct positioning of endotracheal tube. We hypothesize that a safe distance between endotracheal tube tip and carina can be achieved with the aid of ultrasound. Our primary objective was to determine whether ultrasound guided visualisation of proximal end of endotracheal tube cuff is better when compared to conventional method in optimal positioning of tube tip. The secondary objective was to find the optimal endotracheal tube position at the level of incisors in adult Indian population. There were 25 patients each in the conventional group and the ultrasound group. Conventional method includes auscultation and end tidal capnography. In the ultrasound group the upper end of the endotracheal tube cuff was positioned with an intent to provide 4 cm distance from the tube tip to the carina. X ray was used in both groups for confirmation of tip position and comparison between the two groups. Further repositioning of the tube was done if indicated and the mean length of the tube at incisors was then measured. After x ray confirmation, endotracheal tube repositioning was required in 24% of patients in the USG group and 40 % of patients in the conventional group. However, this result was not found to be statistically significant (p = 0.364). The endotracheal tube length at the level of teeth was 19.4 ± 1.35 cm among females and 20.95 ± 1.37 cm among males. Ultrasonography is a reliable method to determine ETT position in the trachea. There was no statistically significant difference when compared to the conventional method. The average length of ETT at the level of incisors was 19.5 cm for females and 21 cm for males.

Preoperative oral hygiene treatment reduces bacterial transport and colonization during intubation for orthopedic surgery.

The process of infection by bacteria and viruses involves invasion, establishment, growth, and parasitization. Poor oral hygiene and dysbiosis are significant risk factors for pneumonia. The aim of this study was to evaluate bacterial transport into the trachea during intubation for orthopedic surgery and the impact of oral hygiene treatment. The study cohort included 53 patients with fracture who underwent surgical procedures under general anesthesia and were divided into two groups: an oral hygiene treatment (OHT) group (n = 27) and a control group (n = 26). Before intubation, the OHT group underwent preoperative oral hygiene treatment. Microbiological culture was used for detection and counting of bacteria from the oropharynx, trachea, and tip of the endotracheal tube (ETT). Patients in the OHT group had a lower pathogen detection rate and lower degree of bacterial colonization in the oropharynx, trachea, and ETT tip. Preoperative oral hygiene treatment is able to reduce bacterial transport and colonization during orthopedic surgery, thus providing an important adjunct to pre-anesthesia care.

Calculating intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure from end-expiratory flow in mechanically ventilated children-A study in physical models of the pediatric respiratory system.

The high resistance of pediatric endotracheal tubes (ETTs) exposes mechanically ventilated children to a particular risk of developing intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (iPEEP). To date, determining iPEEP at the bedside requires the execution of special maneuvers, interruption of ventilation, or additional invasive measurements. Outside such interventions, iPEEP may be unrecognized. To develop a new approach for continuous calculation of iPEEP based on routinely measured end-expiratory flow and ETT resistance. First, the resistance of pediatric ETTs with inner diameter from 2.0 to 4.5 mm were empirically determined. Second, during simulated ventilation, iPEEP was either calculated from the measured end-expiratory flow and ETT's resistance (iPEEPcalc ) or determined with a hold-maneuver available at the ventilator (iPEEPhold ). Both estimates were compared with the end-expiratory pressure measured at the ETT's tip (iPEEPdirect ) by means of absolute deviations. End-expiratory flow and iPEEP increased with decreasing ETT inner diameter and with higher respiratory rates. iPEEPcalc and iPEEPhold were comparable and indicated good correspondence with iPEEPdirect . The largest absolute mean deviation was 1.0 cm H2 O for iPEEPcalc and 1.1 cm H2 O for iPEEPhold . We conclude that iPEEP can be determined from routinely measured variables and predetermined ETT resistance, which has to be confirmed in the clinical settings. As long as this algorithm is not available in pediatric ICU ventilators, nomograms are provided for estimating the prevailing iPEEP from end-expiratory flow.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound for the Tip of the Endotracheal Tube: A Neonatologist Perspective.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been reported to reduce radiation exposure and has been shown to be a reliable bedside technique to confirm endotracheal tube (ETT) placement, but evidence in neonates is still limited. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and reliability of POCUS performed by a neonatologist, as an alternative to chest radiography (CXR) for the optimal position of ETT. Newborns who underwent intubation were included in this prospective observational study. The CXR was used to evaluate the position of the ETT tip and categorized into three groups: above the T1, between the T1 and T3, and below the T3 vertebra. An experienced neonatologist measured the distance between the ETT tip and the upper border of the aortic arch from the suprasternal notch with ultrasonography (US). A 5 to 10 mm measurement was considered as the optimal distance, and the position was classified into three categories: correct, high, and deep. Among 91 measurements performed on 63 intubated patients with US, 73 (80%) were within the 5 to 10 mm range (correct position). Of these, 61 (92.4%) were determined to be between T1 and 3 vertebrae in CXR. There was no significant difference between the two methods, and the US had an excellent ability to distinguish the correct position of the ETT. The distance measured by the US for the ETT tip to be located between the T1 and T3 vertebrae on CXR should range between 6.17 and 9.0 mm. This study showed that the US by an experienced neonatologist is an easy and feasible alternative to determine the position of the ETT in the neonatal intensive care unit. · POCUS has been reported to reduce radiation exposure, and it is areliable bedside technique.. · Evidence for confirmation of ETT placement in neonates is limited.. · POCUS can be used for determination of ETT position in NICU's by experienced neonatologists..

New Imaging Protocol to Assess Endotracheal Tube Placement: A Case-control Study.

After intubation, a frontal chest radiograph (CXR) is obtained to assess the endotracheal tube (ETT) position by measuring the ETT tip-to-carina distance. ETT tip location changes with neck position and can be determined by assessing the position of the mandible. As the mandible is typically not visualized on standard CXRs, we developed a new protocol where the mandible is seen on the CXR, hypothesizing that it will improve the accuracy of the ETT position assessment. Two groups of intubated patients studied (February 9, 2021 to May 4, 2021): CXR taken in either standard or new protocol (visible mandible required). Two observers independently assessed the images for the neck position (neutral, flexed, and extended) based on the mandible position relative to the vertebral bodies. With the mandible absent (ie, neck position unknown), we established terms: "gray zone" (difficult to assess the ETT position adequately) and "clear zone" (confident recommendation to retract, advance, or maintain ETT position). We compared the rate of confident assessment of the ETT in the standard versus the new protocol. Of 308 patients, 155 had standard CXRs and 153 had the new protocol. Interrater agreements for the distance between the ETT and the carina and mandible height based on vertebral bodies were 0.986 (P < 0.001) and 0.955 (P < 0.001), respectively. The mandible was visualized significantly more often (P < 0.001) with the new protocol (92%; 141/153) than with the standard protocol (21%; 32/155). By visualizing the mandible or the presence of the ETT within the clear zone, a reader could confidently assess the ETT position more often using the new protocol (96.7% vs 51.6%, P < 0.001). Mandible visibility on postintubation CXR is helpful for assessing the ETT position. The new protocol resulted in a significant increase in both visualizing the mandible and accurately determining ETT position on postintubation CXR.

Ultrasound assessment of endotracheal tube depth in neonates: a prospective feasibility study

ObjectiveTo examine the reliability of a novel ultrasound (US) method for assessment of endotracheal tube (ETT) position in neonates.DesignProspective, observational, single-centre, feasibility study.SettingLevel III neonatal intensive care unit.PatientsTerm and preterm...

Image augmentation and automated measurement of endotracheal-tube-to-carina distance on chest radiographs in intensive care unit using a deep learning model with external validation

BackgroundChest radiographs are routinely performed in intensive care unit (ICU) to confirm the correct position of an endotracheal tube (ETT) relative to the carina. However, their interpretation is often challenging and requires substantial time and expertise. The aim of this study was to propose an externally validated deep learning model with uncertainty quantification and image segmentation for the automated assessment of ETT placement on ICU chest radiographs.MethodsThe CarinaNet model was constructed by applying transfer learning to the RetinaNet model using an internal dataset of ICU chest radiographs. The accuracy of the model in predicting the position of the ETT tip and carina was externally validated using a dataset of 200 images extracted from the MIMIC-CXR database. Uncertainty quantification was performed using the level of confidence in the ETT–carina distance prediction. Segmentation of the ETT was carried out using edge detection and pixel clustering.ResultsThe interrater agreement was 0.18 cm for the ETT tip position, 0.58 cm for the carina position, and 0.60 cm for the ETT–carina distance. The mean absolute error of the model on the external test set was 0.51 cm for the ETT tip position prediction, 0.61 cm for the carina position prediction, and 0.89 cm for the ETT–carina distance prediction. The assessment of ETT placement was improved by complementing the human interpretation of chest radiographs with the CarinaNet model.ConclusionsThe CarinaNet model is an efficient and generalizable deep learning algorithm for the automated assessment of ETT placement on ICU chest radiographs. Uncertainty quantification can bring the attention of intensivists to chest radiographs that require an experienced human interpretation. Image segmentation provides intensivists with chest radiographs that are quickly interpretable and allows them to immediately assess the validity of model predictions. The CarinaNet model is ready to be evaluated in clinical studies.Graphical

Segmental Tracheomalacia in a Patient with a Persistent Air Leak.

Anesthesiology was consulted on an intubated 61-yr-old woman for difficulty ventilating secondary to a progressive air leak. A chest x-ray film that day (panel A) showed a circular area of lower density proximal to the endotracheal tube (ETT) tip. Computed tomographic scan revealed tracheal dilation of 4.1 cm in the axial plane (panel B) and its segmental nature in the sagittal plane (panel C) with (a) the ETT in situ at the level of the cuff and (b) the distal trachea measuring 1.5 cm. After the ETT cuff was deflated and advanced past the area of dilation, the air leak subsided. She later underwent a tracheostomy. Primary, or congenital, causes of tracheal dilation include polychondritis, idiopathic, and Mounier-Kuhn syndrome. Secondary, or acquired, causes are more common and include trauma, emphysema, chronic inflammation, chronic external compression of the trachea, and vascular rings.1 Tracheal dilation due to prolonged intubation is typically segmental and less than 3.0 cm, and tracheal mucosal changes are common.2 Chest x-ray film can be used for the diagnosis of static dilation, especially in a mechanically ventilated patient where the area of dilation may exist at the level of the endotracheal tube cuff. Tracheobronchoscopy through the ETT in situ may not reveal the tracheal dilation and mucosal changes because the tip of the ETT is distal to the segment of dilated trachea. A prompt computed tomographic scan would be valuable to guide management and can aid in the detection of dynamic airway collapse, tracheocele, or tracheal diverticula.3 This image shows an extreme case of tracheal dilation that exceeds 3.0 cm.Support was provided solely from institutional and/or departmental sources.The authors declare no competing interests

This Month in Anesthesiology

This Month in Anesthesiology

Pressure changes in tapered and cylindrical shaped cuff after extension of head and neck: A randomized controlled trial.

The proper cuff pressure of endotracheal tube (ET) plays an important role in sealing the airway and preventing airway complications during mechanical ventilation. The ET cuff shape affects the cuff pressure after positional change. To investigate cuff pressure between tapered and cylindrical cuff after extension of head and neck during nasal endotracheal intubation. In a randomized clinical trial, 52 patients were randomized to one of two groups: cylindrical cuff or Tapered cuff. Cuff pressure with 22 cmH2O was applied to patients in the neutral position. After extension of head and neck, the cuff pressure was evaluated again and readjusted to 22 cmH2O. In addition, the extent of cephalad migration of ET tip was assessed and postoperative airway complications such as sore throat, and hoarseness were measured. The cuff pressure was higher in the tapered cuff (28.7 ± 1.0 cmH2O) than in the cylindrical cuff (25.5 ± 0.8 cmH2O) after head and neck extension (P < 0.001). The extent of cephalad migration of tube tip was greater in TaperGuard ET (18.4 ± 2.2 mm) than in conventional ET (15.1 ± 1.2 mm) (P < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative airway complications was comparable between two groups. After head and neck extension, the cuff pressure and the extent of cephalad migration of ET was greater in tapered cuff than in cylindrical cuff during nasal intubation, respectively.

Validation of a Deep Learning-based Automatic Detection Algorithm for Measurement of Endotracheal Tube-to-Carina Distance on Chest Radiographs.

Improper endotracheal tube (ETT) positioning is frequently observed and potentially hazardous in the intensive care unit. The authors developed a deep learning-based automatic detection algorithm detecting the ETT tip and carina on portable supine chest radiographs to measure the ETT-carina distance. This study investigated the hypothesis that the algorithm might be more accurate than frontline critical care clinicians in ETT tip detection, carina detection, and ETT-carina distance measurement. A deep learning-based automatic detection algorithm was developed using 1,842 portable supine chest radiographs of 1,842 adult intubated patients, where two board-certified intensivists worked together to annotate the distal ETT end and tracheal bifurcation. The performance of the deep learning-based algorithm was assessed in 4-fold cross-validation (1,842 radiographs), external validation (216 radiographs), and an observer performance test (462 radiographs) involving 11 critical care clinicians. The performance metrics included the errors from the ground truth in ETT tip detection, carina detection, and ETT-carina distance measurement. During 4-fold cross-validation and external validation, the median errors (interquartile range) of the algorithm in ETT-carina distance measurement were 3.9 (1.8 to 7.1) mm and 4.2 (1.7 to 7.8) mm, respectively. During the observer performance test, the median errors (interquartile range) of the algorithm were 2.6 (1.6 to 4.8) mm, 3.6 (2.1 to 5.9) mm, and 4.0 (1.7 to 7.2) mm in ETT tip detection, carina detection, and ETT-carina distance measurement, significantly superior to that of 6, 10, and 7 clinicians (all P < 0.05), respectively. The algorithm outperformed 7, 3, and 0, 9, 6, and 4, and 5, 5, and 3 clinicians (all P < 0.005) regarding the proportions of chest radiographs within 5 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm error in ETT tip detection, carina detection, and ETT-carina distance measurement, respectively. No clinician was significantly more accurate than the algorithm in any comparison. A deep learning-based algorithm can match or even outperform frontline critical care clinicians in ETT tip detection, carina detection, and ETT-carina distance measurement.

Effect of head position changes on the depth of tracheal intubation in pediatric patients: A prospective, observational study.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of changing head position on the endotracheal tube (ETT) depth and to assess the risk of inadvertent extubation and bronchial intubation in pediatric patients.MethodsSubjects aged 4–12 years old with orotracheal intubation undergoing elective surgeries were enrolled. After induction, the distances between “the ETT tip and the trachea carina” (T-C) were measured using a Disposcope flexible endoscope in head neutral position, 45° extension and flexion, 60° right and left rotation. The distance of the ETT tip movement relative to the neutral position (ΔT-C) was calculated after changing the head positions. The direction of the ETT tip displacement and the adverse events including endobronchial intubation, accidental tracheal extubation, hoarseness and sore throat were recorded.ResultsThe ETT tip moved toward the carina by 0.5 ± 0.4 cm (P < 0.001) when the head was flexed. After extending the head, the ETT tip moved toward the vocal cord by 0.9 ± 0.4 cm (P < 0.001). Right rotation resulted that the ETT tip moved toward the vocal cord direction by 0.6 ± 0.4 cm (P < 0.001). Moreover, there was no displacement with the head on left rotation (P = 0.126). Subjects with the reinforced ETT had less ETT displacement after changing head position than the taper guard ETT.ConclusionThe changes of head position can influence the depth of the ETT especially in head extension. We recommend using the reinforced ETT to reduce the ETT displacement in pediatrics to avoid intubation complications.Clinical trial registration[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier, [ChiCTR2100042648].

Position Classification of the Endotracheal Tube with Automatic Segmentation of the Trachea and the Tube on Plain Chest Radiography Using Deep Convolutional Neural Network.

Background: This study aimed to develop an algorithm for multilabel classification according to the distance from carina to endotracheal tube (ETT) tip (absence, shallow > 70 mm, 30 mm ≤ proper ≤ 70 mm, and deep position < 30 mm) with the application of automatic segmentation of the trachea and the ETT on chest radiographs using deep convolutional neural network (CNN). Methods: This study was a retrospective study using plain chest radiographs. We segmented the trachea and the ETT on images and labeled the classification of the ETT position. We proposed models for the classification of the ETT position using EfficientNet B0 with the application of automatic segmentation using Mask R-CNN and ResNet50. Primary outcomes were favorable performance for automatic segmentation and four-label classification through five-fold validation with segmented images and a test with non-segmented images. Results: Of 1985 images, 596 images were manually segmented and consisted of 298 absence, 97 shallow, 100 proper, and 101 deep images according to the ETT position. In five-fold validations with segmented images, Dice coefficients [mean (SD)] between segmented and predicted masks were 0.841 (0.063) for the trachea and 0.893 (0.078) for the ETT, and the accuracy for four-label classification was 0.945 (0.017). In the test for classification with 1389 non-segmented images, overall values were 0.922 for accuracy, 0.843 for precision, 0.843 for sensitivity, 0.922 for specificity, and 0.843 for F1-score. Conclusions: Automatic segmentation of the ETT and trachea images and classification of the ETT position using deep CNN with plain chest radiographs could achieve good performance and improve the physician’s performance in deciding the appropriateness of ETT depth.

Detecting Endotracheal Tube and Carina on Portable Supine Chest Radiographs Using One-Stage Detector with a Coarse-to-Fine Attention.

In intensive care units (ICUs), after endotracheal intubation, the position of the endotracheal tube (ETT) should be checked to avoid complications. The malposition can be detected by the distance between the ETT tip and the Carina (ETT–Carina distance). However, it struggles with a limited performance for two major problems, i.e., occlusion by external machine, and the posture and machine of taking chest radiographs. While previous studies addressed these problems, they always suffered from the requirements of manual intervention. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to locate the ETT tip and the Carina more accurately for detecting the malposition without manual intervention. The proposed architecture is composed of FCOS: Fully Convolutional One-Stage Object Detection, an attention mechanism named Coarse-to-Fine Attention (CTFA), and a segmentation branch. Moreover, a post-process algorithm is adopted to select the final location of the ETT tip and the Carina. Three metrics were used to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. With the dataset provided by National Cheng Kung University Hospital, the accuracy of the malposition detected by the proposed method achieves and the ETT–Carina distance errors are less than mm.

Microbiological profile and anti-microbial susceptibility pattern of isolates from endo tracheal aspirate and endo tracheal tube tips in ICU patients

Background: There has been a surge of sufferers contracting healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) in recent times. This has been further exacerbated by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic which, beginning in 2020, has severely affected the majority of the world's nations, and one of the biggest problems caused by this infection was the high number of patients who required critical care. Aim: We sought to identify the microbiological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolated from tracheal aspirate and endotracheal tube (ETT) tips of patients who had to undergo ICU admittance. Methodology: We isolated a total of 150 microbial samples from 131 patients, of which 97 came from endo tracheal aspirates and the remaining 53 samples were obtained from ETT tips, following which the isolation and identification of bacteria was then done according to requisite microbiological assays. The Kirby-Bauer Technique with Mueller-Hinton agar was used to conduct the antimicrobial susceptibility testing in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) 2016 standards. Results: 53 (35%) of the 150 total specimens were from ETT tips, whereas 97 (65%) came from tracheal aspirates. 101 (67%) of the organisms were gram-negative, and 49 (33%) were gram-positive.