Am J Perinatol. 2021 Sep 30. doi: 10.1055/a-1659-0422. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess if a color scale in the endotracheal tube (ETT) helps operators to correctly select the size and depth of placement of the ETT and decrease the time required, compared with the usual numeric ETT scale, in a mannequin model.
DESIGN/METHODS: The study was conducted in 8 centers. Each size of the ETT was identified with different color by size. All experimental ETT had two painted zones: the mouthpiece and an area of 1 cm marked with the same color (to identify where the ETT should be taped above the lip). The operators were trained as part of the protocol using a video. Four clinical scenarios requiring endotracheal intubation were designed and randomly assigned. Each operator had to select the size and depth of ETT based on the BW, and then had to perform 4 intubation procedures.
RESULTS: 108 operators performed 432 intubations. No difference were found in the correct placement and selection of the ETT. Median time (in seconds) required for intubation using numeric vs. experimental tube was: for ETT Ø 2.5, 11.5 vs. 8 (p<0.001), ETTØ3,12 vs. 10 (p<0.001), ETT Ø 3.5, 15.5 vs.12 (p 0.003), ETT Ø4 12 vs.11 (p 0.019).
CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was observed in the selection and correct placement of the ETT. However, the intubation time was significantly shorter using the experimental ETT. This device could improve the effectiveness of intubation by reducing the time needed to properly place the ETT at mid trachea.
PMID:34592768 | DOI:10.1055/a-1659-0422