Using Ultrasound to Confirm Endotracheal Tube Placement in ICU Patients

Comparison of Two Bedside Ultrasound Techniques and Standard Methods for Confirmation of Endotracheal Tube Insertion in Intensive Care Patients, A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Observational Tanta University · NCT06510387

This study is testing if using ultrasound can help doctors confirm that breathing tubes are placed correctly in ICU patients better than the usual methods.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTanta University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tanta, El-Gharbia)
Trial IDNCT06510387 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates the effectiveness of two ultrasound techniques, suprasternal and subxiphoid, in confirming the correct placement of endotracheal tubes in intensive care patients. It compares these ultrasound methods to standard confirmation techniques, which primarily rely on visual and auditory assessments. The goal is to determine the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound as a non-invasive, real-time diagnostic tool for ensuring airway security in critically ill patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients over 18 years old requiring endotracheal intubation due to severe impairment of consciousness, as indicated by a Glasgow Coma Scale score of less than 8.

Not a fit: Patients with abnormal airway anatomy, significant cervical trauma, or those requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the accuracy of endotracheal tube placement confirmation, reducing the risk of complications such as hypoxia and aspiration.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrasound for confirming endotracheal tube placement is gaining interest, this specific comparison of techniques is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients \> 18 years old.
* Both sex.
* All patients requiring prophylactic airway management e.g (patient with Glasgow Coma Scale \<8) with endotracheal intubation in the intensive care unit.

Exclusion Criteria:

* An abnormal airway anatomy.
* Tracheal or endobronchial lesion.
* Significant cervical trauma.
* Cervical abnormality.
* Neck swelling.
* Patients who need cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Where this trial is running

Tanta, El-Gharbia

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 Two BedsideUltrasoundEndotracheal TubeIntensive Care Patients
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.