Using ultrasound to confirm endotracheal tube placement in children

Ultrasound Versus Palpation to Find Optimal Endotracheal Tube Cuff Position in Pediatric Patients Receiving Head and Neck Surgery: Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Seoul National University Hospital · NCT06142149

This study tests if using ultrasound can help doctors make sure breathing tubes are placed correctly in young children during surgery, compared to the usual methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment62 (estimated)
Ages6 Months to 7 Years
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seoul)
Trial IDNCT06142149 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of airway ultrasound compared to traditional methods for confirming the proper positioning of endotracheal tubes in pediatric patients undergoing intubation. Pediatric patients aged 6 months to 7 years scheduled for facial or intraoral surgery will be randomly assigned to either an ultrasound group or a conventional method group. The study will assess the accuracy of tube placement and suggest criteria for optimal cuff positioning using ultrasound. The goal is to improve patient safety and outcomes during intubation procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients aged 6 months to 7 years requiring endotracheal intubation for facial or intraoral surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with anticipated difficult intubation or significant facial deformities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the accuracy of endotracheal tube placement, reducing complications in pediatric intubation.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrasound in intubation is gaining interest, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in pediatric populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pediatric patients ages 6 months to 7 years who are scheduled to have an endotracheal tube inserted for facial or intraoral surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

* When difficult intubation is anticipated
* If the patient has deformities such as facial asymmetry due to congenital causes such as genetic diseases or acquired causes such as accidents.
* If the patient or guardian does not agree to participate in the study.
* Other cases deemed unsuitable by the researcher

Where this trial is running

Seoul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Intubation
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.