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Colorimetric end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring during transfer of intubated children
D Higgins1, E T Forrest, A Lloyd-Thomas
1Department of Anaesthesia, Hospitals for Sick Children, London, England.
Insights
A low-cost colorimeter can confirm tracheal tube placement in intubated children during transport. This device aids in early detection of tube displacement and reduced pulmonary perfusion in children over 15 kg.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Pediatric Critical Care
- Respiratory Monitoring
Background:
- Confirming endotracheal tube placement is crucial in intubated children.
- Transporting intubated children presents unique challenges for monitoring.
- Existing methods for monitoring may be cumbersome or expensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel, inexpensive colorimeter for assessing end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2).
- To determine the device's utility in confirming tracheal tube placement during pediatric transport.
- To assess the device's capability in identifying complications like reduced pulmonary perfusion.
Main Methods:
- A pocket-sized colorimeter measuring ETCO2 was used.
- The device was employed during the transfer of intubated children.
- Breath-by-breath confirmation of tracheal tube placement was performed.
- Monitoring for signs of reduced pulmonary perfusion was conducted.
Main Results:
- The colorimeter provided reliable breath-by-breath confirmation of tracheal tube placement.
- The device successfully identified one instance of reduced pulmonary perfusion.
- The device was utilized in children weighing over 15 kg.
Conclusions:
- The inexpensive colorimeter is a valuable tool for confirming tracheal tube placement in intubated children during transport.
- This device offers an early warning system for tracheal tube displacement.
- Its use is particularly advocated for children exceeding 15 kg.
Abstract:
We report the use of a cheap, pocket-sized colorimeter to assess the end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration during transfer of intubated children. The device provided breath by breath confirmation of tracheal tube placement and identified one episode of reduced pulmonary perfusion. We would advocate the use of this detector to provide early warning of tracheal tube displacement during the transfer of children weighing more than 15 kg.