US ETT (ultrasound endotracheal tube) for Intubation

Correct positioning of the endotracheal tube (ETT) is crucial to ensure safe ventilation. To date, no test that can verify this right after intubation at the bedside exists. Indirect tests have false negative and positive results leading to complications or at least difficulties in performing effective ventilation of patients. Bedside ultrasound could fill this need. Although bedside ultrasound may not be possible or useful in routine intubations, it may prove useful in difficult or questionable cases, where current clinical exams/techniques may not offer a reliable indication of endotracheal tube depth.