– Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital –
The Chest Medicine team at Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital (KMUH), in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Application Center, has developed an Endotracheal Tube Malposition Alert System, which has won the prestigious “2025 Future Technology Award”, often referred to as the Oscars of the scientific community. Selected from over 500 competing teams, this AI-powered system automatically analyzes chest X-rays to determine whether the endotracheal tube is properly positioned. If a potential misplacement is detected, the system immediately issues an alert, helping clinical staff confirm and address the issue promptly.
The 2025 Future Technology Award is jointly organized by the National Science and Technology Council, Academia Sinica, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The award recognizes innovative and practical Taiwanese technologies. Winning projects were showcased at the 2025 Taiwan Innovative Technology Expo – Future Technology Pavilion from October 16 to 18 and were officially honored at the award ceremony on October 18 at Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall 1. KMUH’s alert system attracted attention from medical device companies, investors, and international partners during the exhibition.
The Endotracheal Tube Malposition Alert System reduces the risk of tube dislodgement and related complications, enhancing patient safety and care quality. After a chest X-ray, the system automatically assesses tube positioning and immediately alerts staff if an abnormality is suspected. This minimizes human error and delays. The system has been validated in multiple hospitals, achieving an accuracy rate of approximately 90%, and the team continues to expand the dataset to improve stability and general applicability. By using routine chest X-rays, it can detect misplacements early, issue timely alerts, and prevent potential complications, ensuring patient safety. This technology has significant potential for adoption in hospitals of all levels and may achieve international certification and licensing in the future, bringing benefits to a broader population.
Superintendent Jaw-Yuan Wang of KMUH stated that the recognition of the team’s technology amidst fierce competition highlights the hospital’s long-term commitment to integrating AI and smart healthcare. He emphasized that the system not only enhances patient safety but also represents a part of KMUH’s ongoing medical innovation. KMUH continues to cultivate talent in smart healthcare and provide resources to support further technological advancements that improve care quality.
Professor Ming-Ju Tsai, attending physician of KMUH Chest Medicine and the lead presenter of this technology, explained that improper endotracheal tube placement can cause complications such as tube dislodgement, single-lung ventilation, or airway injury. The system evaluates chest X-rays immediately after imaging, providing real-time support and alerts to medical staff, significantly shortening the time to detect abnormalities. The team hopes to expand the system to more hospitals, ensuring safer intubation for patients.
Developed under the guidance of KMUH’s Smart ICU team and the AI Innovation Application Center, the system integrates clinical needs with AI technology. Supported by the TSHA (Taiwan Smart Healthcare Alliance) program of the National Science and Technology Council, it has been validated in collaboration with multiple medical institutions. Future plans include further algorithm optimization, expanding applicability to pediatric patients, individuals with varying body types, or those with abnormal chest structures, and pursuing international medical device certification and licensing to accelerate commercialization and market adoption, ultimately improving overall patient safety across healthcare facilities.
KMUH’s Endotracheal Tube Malposition Alert System receives the “2025 Future Technology Award.” Professor Ming-Ju Tsai (right 4) from KMUH’s AI Innovation Application Center accepts the award on behalf of the team.
KMUH Chest Medicine and AI Innovation Application Center team members at the 2025 Future Technology Award presentation. From left: Dr. Chih-Hung Cheng (Chest Medicine), Professor Ming-Ju Tsai (AI Innovation Application Center), Director Wei-An Chang (Medical ICU).
KMUH AI Innovation team demonstrates the Endotracheal Tube Malposition Alert System.
Chih-Hung Cheng (Chest Medicine), Professor Ming-Ju Tsai (AI Innovation Application Center), Director Wei-An Chang (Medical ICU), Engineer Li-Li Wang (AI Innovation Application Center), Research Assistant Jia-Ying Lin (AI Innovation Application Center).