Evaluation of a novel endotracheal tube suctioning system incorporating an inflatable sweeper.

Accumulation of secretions in an endotracheal tube can increase the resistance to flow resulting in an increased patient work of breathing when the patient is interacting with the ventilator. Retained secretions can also serve as an infection risk. Standard suction catheters are limited in their ability to keep the lumen of the endotracheal tube clear. A novel closed-suction catheter has been introduced that incorporates a balloon at its distal end that, when inflated, physically scrapes secretions out of the endotracheal tube (CleanSweep catheter (CSC), Teleflex, Morrisville NC). We hypothesized that the CSC would be more efficient at removing secretions from inside the endotracheal tube than a standard suction catheter (SSC). We performed a bench study examining resistive pressures across different sizes of endotracheal tubes when cleaned by the CSC as compared with an SSC. This study was followed by a prospective crossover study again comparing the CSC with an SSC in intubated intensive care unit patients receiving mechanical ventilation and requiring frequent suctioning. For the bench study the CSC was significantly better in reducing airway resistive pressures ( Both our bench and crossover clinical study demonstrated improved clearance of secretions with the CSC vs an SSC. Further research is needed to ascertain the clinical outcome benefits of enhanced secretion removal.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Mr. Davies discloses that he is a clinical consultant for Teleflex Medical. Dr. Huang discloses a financial relationship with Windtree Therapeutics. Dr. MacIntyre discloses financial relationships with Inspirx, Ventec Life Systems, and Hillrom. All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form.