Background and methods: the most reliable methods for confirming endotracheal tube placement are direct visualization of passage through the vocal cords and documentation of CO2 in the expired gas. We evaluated the use of a disposable colorimetric CO2 detector for verifying endotracheal tube position in small animals. The end-tidal CO2 (Petco2) detector was tested in 11 piglets with the endotracheal tube sequentially in the trachea, the esophagus, the esophagus with a carbonated beverage in the stomach, the esophagus after bag-mask ventilation. Endotracheal tube position was confirmed in all cases by direct visualization and capnometry.
Results: The Petco2 detector identified the tube placement accurately in all 54 (21 tracheal, 33 esophageal) intubations (p less than .001).
Conclusions: This disposable Petco2 detector is highly sensitive and specific for verifying endotracheal tube placement in this nonarrest piglet model.