Post-intubation confirmation via lung sliding is a rapid, non-invasive ultrasound technique used to verify correct endotracheal tube placement. By observing the dynamic movement of the visceral and parietal pleura (lung sliding) in real-time, clinicians can quickly confirm adequate ventilation, minimizing the risks associated with esophageal intubation. The presence of lung sliding indicates the lung is being inflated.
This critical bedside assessment helps prevent severe complications like hypoxemia and barotrauma, enhancing patient safety and improving procedural efficiency in emergency medicine, critical care, and anesthesiology. The absence of lung sliding or the presence of a “lung point” may suggest a pneumothorax or esophageal intubation, necessitating immediate re-evaluation.