Distinguishing esophageal from endotracheal intubation by measuring endotracheal tube cuff pressure

Introduction Several outcome studies have clearly indicated that unrecognized esophageal intubation is a leading cause of brain damage and death in anesthetic practice [1-3]. Of particular concern are intubations performed outside the operating room, which have been fraught with an unacceptably high incidence of unidentified esophageal placement [4-8]. One study estimates