Clinical Study on the Efficacy of Subglottic Suction in Mechanically Ventilated Patients Guided by Bedside Ultrasound

Clinical Study on the Efficacy of Subglottic Suction in Mechanically Ventilated Patients Guided by Bedside Ultrasound

Subglottic suctioning, as an important airway management technique, has its operational accuracy and safety directly impacting patient prognosis. Therefore, improving the effectiveness and safety of subglottic suctioning has become a focus of clinical attention. Point-of-care ultrasound, which can provide imaging, can be used to guide subglottic suctioning, enhancing the intuitiveness of the procedure. This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of subglottic suctioning guided by point-of-care ultrasound in mechanically ventilated patients, in order to help standardize clinical practice and improve medical quality.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1. Patients admitted to the ICU with the patient or their legal representative having signed an informed consent form; 2. Patients expected to have an oral artificial airway in place for ≥72 hours; 3. Patients using tracheostomy tubes with subglottic suctioning

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1) Severe cervical deformity, extensive subcutaneous emphysema, thick dressing coverage, or severe obesity that prevents clear visualization of the subglottic region by ultrasound.

  2) Coagulopathy (platelets <50×10⁹/L) or active bleeding tendency, which may induce airway bleeding due to suctioning procedures.

  3) Presence of organic airway disease or previous cervical surgery history, affecting assessment of the subglottic region.

  4) Tracheostomy patients. 5) Patients allergic to ultrasound coupling agents, or those unable to cooperate with cervical ultrasound examination due to severe agitation.

  6) Patients with existing pulmonary infection upon admission. 7) Patients intubated for treatment of known aspiration. 8) History of lung cancer or head and neck cancer that may produce alpha-amylase in the lungs.

  9) History of conditions affecting salivary secretion (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome).