Saturday, September 15, 2007


Saturday September 15, 2007
Bedside tip - using bulb to detect proper endotracheal intubation


Esohageal intubation detector bulb is a disposable device used to verify endotracheal tube placement. After endotracheal tube placement, compress the bulb and while holding it in a compressed state, attach the unit to the endotracheal tube. A vacuum is created once the compressed bulb is released. Should the endotracheal tube be in the esophagus, the bulb will not reinflate. however, if the endotracheal tube is properly placed, the bulb will inflate.

If the tube tip is in the esophagus, the tube tip will become occluded with the walls of the esophagus (bulb remain compressed), implying that the endotracheal tube is in the esophagus. By contrast, if the tube tip is in the trachea, the tube tip remains open as the system volume increases and free aspiration of air occurs (bulb re-expand), implying the endotracheal tube is in the trachea.