The end-tidal carbon dioxide detector. Assessment of a new method to distinguish oesophageal from tracheal intubation.

A new method to distinguish oesophageal from tracheal intubation using an end-tidal carbon dioxide detector was evaluated. In a prospective study on 50 healthy adult patients, the end-tidal carbon dioxide detector was reliably used to detect initial oesophageal intubation in 22 cases, and then to confirm tracheal intubation in all 50 patients. We conclude from this study that the end-tidal carbon dioxide detector is a reliable, rapid and easy method for the detection of oesophageal intubation.