Intubation detection system with transducer based indicator

Abstract

An intubation detection system includes a pressure changing source, such as a volume changing device, connected to a transducer and an endotracheal tube. The intubation detection system determines whether the hollow tip of an endotracheal tube is in the esophagus or trachea of a patient. If the tip is in the trachea, the tip is not occluded. If the tip is in the esophagus, it becomes occluded. In one embodiment, the transducer is a pressure transducer, a chamber of a volume changing device is selectively increased in volume, and a flow restrictor is placed between the tip and the chamber and transducer. If the tip is in the trachea, when the volume is increased, the pressure at the transducer temporarily decreases, but quickly returns to atmospheric pressure. If the tip is in the esophagus, when the volume is increased, the pressure at the transducer decreases and remains at that pressure because the tip is occluded. A mass flow transducer may also be used. Analyzing circuitry receives signals from the transducer and determines the location of the tip. The analyzing circuitry control indication circuitry, which provides an indication of the location of the tip.