DETECTION DEVICE FOR VERIFYING THE PROPER INTUBATION OF AN ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE

A detection device adapted to be attached to the distal end of an endotracheal tube for verifying the proper intubation of the endotracheal tube within the airway of a patient. The detection device includes a housing having a proximal end, a distal end and a hollow bore extending through the housing from the proximal end to the distal end. The bore forms a proximal orifice at the proximal end of the housing and a distal orifice at the distal end of the housing. A plunger having a proximal end and a distal end extends through the distal orifice of the housing such that the proximal end of the plunger is located in the bore in sealing engagement with the housing. The plunger is selectively slidable within the bore along a longitudinal axis. A gripping member is attached externally to the housing adjacent to the proximal end of the housing. An adapter member having a ninety degree passageway is attached to the proximal end of the housing and to the distal end of the endotracheal tube such that the longitudinal axis along which the plunger is withdrawn from the housing is located at an angle of approximately ninety degrees to the endotracheal tube. The gripping member at the proximal end of the housing is adapted to be gripped with a first hand and the distal end of the plunger is adapted to be gripped with a second hand to facilitate withdrawal of the plunger from the housing to verify the proper placement of the endotracheal tube.