Methods and systems for verifying and monitoring endotracheal tube position during intubation

An endotracheal tube positioning system comprising:

• an endotracheal tube having a magnet provided toward a distal tip end;
• an endotracheal tube positioning device having a first Hall sensor and a second Hall sensor, the positioning device configured to adhere to a skin surface;
• and
• a monitor for receiving data based on voltage values provided by the first and second Hall sensors, the data indicating a position of the magnet relative to the adhered position of the positioning device.

A method of positioning an endotracheal tube in a patient for intubation, the method comprising:

• directing a distal tip end of the endotracheal tube through a glottis, the distal tip end having a magnet embedded therein;
• positioning the distal tip end at an home position in a mid-trachea region of the patient;
• affixing a sensing device just above or at a sternal notch of the patient, wherein the sensing device includes a first Hall sensor and a second Hall sensor positioned a predetermined distance from the first Hall sensor;
• reading with the sensing device an intensity of the magnetic field produced by the magnet using the first Hall sensor and the second Hall sensor;
• transmitting signals from the first Hall sensor and the second Hall sensor to a display device based on a voltage output sensitive to the intensity of the sensed magnetic field;
• determining a longitudinal displacement of the endotracheal tube from the home position based on the transmitted signals.