Ultrasound Case 087

Image 1: Transverse view of lower neck centre and left.

The Trachea is seen, with the characteristic bowel wall signature – the oesophagus is peeking out from behind the left as it usually does. You wait and watch as the intubation proceeds. You wait for a flutter as the deflated cuff moves through the cricoid cartilage and into the tracheal rings. But on this occasion there is sudden movement and appearance of the tube in the oesophagus. It looks like there are two tracheas. The ultrasound operator quickly notifies the operator (prior to bagging) who removes the tube are carefully replaces into the trachea, this time with the guidance of a video laryngoscope and a bougie.

View 2: Tracheal intubation

Oesophageal intubation

There are several ways of ensuring endotracheal intubation but in competent hands ultrasound visualisation has several advantages.

• Feedback is given in real time so there is no need to ventilate or to wait for end tidal CO2.
• The operator can press gently with the probe creating cricoid pressure if desired or can use it to guide the larynx – if laryngeal manipulation (like “BURP”) if required.
• It is easy to visualise oesophageal intubation whilst it is more difficult to see tracheal intubation – however success can be inferred if the tube is passed and the oesophagus not intubated.
• Lung sliding can also be used to confirm ventilation of both lungs once the tube has passed.

I use the linear transducer. It can also be used to rapidly locate and mark the cricothyroid membrane if required – although this should be preempted and done before a failed attempt at intubation rather than once a “can’t oxygenate, can’t ventilate” situation has been reached.