Aspiration of Subglottic Secretions Using Hi-Lo Evac Endotracheal Tube: Tube Size and Incidence of Suction Lumen Dysfunction

Aspiration of Subglottic Secretions in Intubated Critically Ill Patients Using Hi-Lo Evac Endotracheal Tube: Correlation Between Tube Size and Incidence of Suction Lumen Dysfunction

To evaluate the correlation between endotracheal tube size and incidence of dysfunction of suction lumen of Hi-Lo Evac endotracheal tube in critically ill patients who required mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours.

In mechanically ventilated patients, aspiration of subglottic secretions is a widely used intervention for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Using Hi-Lo® Evac endotracheal tube (Hi-Lo Evac; Mallinckrodt; Athlone, Ireland), dysfunction of suction lumen and subsequent failure to aspirate the subglottic secretions is not uncommon. The objective of this prospective observational study is to determine the causes and the incidence of suction lumen dysfunction of Evac endotracheal tube.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Critically ill patients with orotracheal intubation and anticipated duration of intubation more than 48 hours