Luminate

Endotracheal intubation is used in the NICU to provide assisted ventilation for neonates suffering from respiratory disorders. In very premature infants, the margin of error for correct placement of an endotracheal tube (ETT) is less than ± 1⁄2 cm. This contributes to a high occurrence of tube malpositioning, which is associated with adverse events that include unplanned extubation (UPE), where the ETT is dislodged because it is too shallow, and endobronchial intubation, where the ETT is inserted too deep. UPEs increase the risk for severe lifelong complications, such as neurological damage and airway scarring, while endobronchial intubation can result in lung collapse and airway damage. Our team aims to address neonatologists’ need to reduce the complications of tube malpositioning by providing continuous monitoring of ETT position throughout a patient’s stay.