Automatic Esophageal Intubation Detection Using Giant Magneto Resistance Sensors

This thesis will cover the principle, design, and construction of an automatic esophageal intubation detector. This device uses a giant magneto recitative sensor to and a magnetized stylet to automatically measure the position of an ET tube in a person's throat. This method is less subjective than currently used methods such as end tidal CO2, as it does not rely on user interpretation of data or physiological state of the patient. The device developed during this project was tested on an anatomical mockup, a porcine airway model, and an intubation training dummy. In all three tests, the device performed well, accurately indicating tracheal intubation when the tube was placed in the trachea. Only one instance of a false positive indication of tracheal intubation was recorded and this occurred in an atypical and avoidable situation. As of now, the device functions in non-obese adult male patients, but plans are in place to increase usability for the entire population.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Department dc:contributor.department

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Alson, Bradley Jacob

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Wicks, Alfred L.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Bird, John P.
• Muelenaer, Andre A.

• Airway Management
• Intubation

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

vt_gsexam:6088

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/75219