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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 6/2017

01-12-2017 | Original Article

Radiological evaluation of tube depth and complications of prehospital endotracheal intubation in pediatric trauma: a descriptive study

Authors: T. Simons, T. Söderlund, L. Handolin

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 6/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

Pediatric prehospital endotracheal intubation (PHETI) is a difficult and rarely performed procedure that remains the gold standard for prehospital airway management when ventilation and/or anesthesia is required, but high complications rates, including malposition continue to concern. We reviewed the experience in our institution of pediatric intubations with particular emphasis on the position of the endotracheal tube (ETT) tip within the trachea and related complications.

Method

Intubated pediatric patients presenting directly from the scene to our level 1 trauma center, between 2006 and 2014, were included in our study. Patient records and radiographs were retrospectively reviewed to identify the ETT tip-to-carina distance and possible intubation-related complications. ETT tips identified beyond the carina on radiographs or by clinical diagnosis were defined as misplaced. Because head movement causes a significant ETT movement within the trachea, which is age related, we also defined ETT tip placement (1) less than 2 cm above the carina in children younger than 8 and (2) less than 3 cm above the carina in children 8 years or older as “near miss” intubations.

Results

From a total of 34 cases, ETT misplacement was identified in seven cases. Diagnosis was made radiologically in five cases and clinically in two cases. Four of these patients had left lung atelectasis due to tube misplacement. Tube thoracotomy was performed in two of these patients without concurrent evidence of chest injury. “Near miss” intubations accounted for 7/9 and 9/25 in children <8 years and ≥8 years old, respectively, totaling 16/34, with two of these leading to late displacements.

Conclusions

Pediatric endotracheal tube intubation carries a high rate of tube malposition and left lung atelectasis in our experience of pediatric trauma patients, with less than a third of ETTs placed in a safe position.
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Metadata
Title
Radiological evaluation of tube depth and complications of prehospital endotracheal intubation in pediatric trauma: a descriptive study
Authors
T. Simons
T. Söderlund
L. Handolin
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 6/2017
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-016-0758-2

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