• C D Marley, D R Eitel, M F Koch, D R Hess, and M A Taigman.
• Hanover General Hospital, Pennsylvania 17331, USA.
• Prehosp Disaster Med. 1996 Jul 1;11(3):223-7.

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of a prototype esophageal detection device (EDD) during use in the prehospital setting.Design/SettingProspective convenience sample in a prehospital setting.PopulationIntubated adult patients.InterventionsThe study device was used to determine esophageal or endotracheal placement of endotracheal tubes in intubated patients. Clinical means were used to confirm tube location. A data sheet was completed for each patient.ResultsOf 105 uses of the device, 17 of 17 esophageal tubes were identified correctly (100% sensitivity). Sixty-five of 88 tracheal tubes were correctly identified (78% specificity). There was intermediate reinflation of the device on 13 of the 65 tracheal tubes. Five tests were indeterminate. There were no false negatives (negative predictive value 100%), but 18 false positives (positive predictive value 48%).ConclusionThis prototype EDD adequately identifies esophageally placed endotracheal tubes. Correct identification of endotracheally placed tubes was less sensitive. Much work needs to be done regarding the use of negative aspiration devices to identify placement of endotracheal tubes.

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