The effects of closed endotracheal suction on ventilation during conventional and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation

Abstract

In newborn infants, closed endotracheal tube (ETT) suction may reduce associated adverse effects, but it is not clear whether ventilation is maintained during the procedure. We aimed to determine the effect of ETT size, catheter size, and suction pressure on ventilation parameters measured distal to the ETT. Suction was performed on a test lung, ventilated with conventional (CMV) and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) using ETT sizes 2.5-4.0 mm, catheter sizes 5-8 French gauge (Fr), and suction pressures 80-200 mm Hg. Tracheal and circuit peak inspiratory pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure, and tracheal tidal volume (VT) were recorded for each suction episode. During both ..