CO2 indicator and the use thereof to evaluate placement of tracheal tubes

摘要

The invention relates to a CO2 detector for the detection of CO2 in respiratory gases. In particular, the invention relates to medical devices which contain a CO2 detector disposed within the devices to allow detection of CO2 within respiratory gases. The invention also relates to a method for determining the proper placement of an intubation device comprising inserting a tracheal tube having a CO2 detector disposed within, and observing whether the CO2 detector changes color in response to the CO2 which is present in respiratory gases. The CO2 detectors of the invention comprise a pH sensitive dye and a solid phase support. The CO2 detectors of the invention may further comprise a phase transport enhancer which allows the CO2 detector to respond contemporaneously with the presence or absence of CO2 in a respiratory gas on a breath by breath basis.