Umesh's intubation detector (UID) for rapid and reliable identification of tracheal intubation by novices in anaesthetised, paralysed adult patients

Oesophageal intubation can lead to life threatening complications if left undetected. Several devices and techniques are available to confirm tracheal intubation and for early detection of oesophageal intubation. This study was carried out to evaluate the utility of the Umesh's intubation detector device for rapid and reliable differentiation of tracheal from oesophageal intubation by novice users. In this prospective, double blind and randomised study, 100 healthy patients undergoing general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation received two identical size endotracheal tubes; one inserted into trachea and the other into the oesophagus. The Umesh's intubation detector was connected to one of the tubes randomly and a novice was asked to observe for inflation of the reservoir bag of the device while two chest compressions of approximately one inch each were given to the patient. Out of the total 100 tracheal intubations, 96 were correctly identified while the observers could not clearly conclude whether the tube was in trachea or oesophagus in the other four patients. Out of the total 100 oesophageal intubations, 99 were correctly identified. There were no complications related to the study. Umesh's intubation detector device can be used by novices for rapid and reliable differentiation of tracheal from oesophageal intubation in healthy adult patients.