Endotracheal Tube Suction of Ventilated Neonates
Introduction
Endotracheal intubation prevents the cough reflex and interferes with normal muco-ciliary function, therefore increasing airway secretion production and decreasing the ability to clear secretions. Endotracheal tube (ETT) suction is necessary to clear secretions and to maintain airway patency, and to therefore optimise oxygenation and ventilation in a ventilated patient. ETT suction is a common procedure carried out on intubated infants. The goal of ETT suction should be to maximise the amount of secretions removed with minimal adverse effects associated with the procedure. The aim of the guideline is to outline the principles of management for infants requiring ETT suction for clinicians on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) - Butterfly Ward, at the Royal Children's Hospital.
Definition of Terms
Endotracheal Tube (ETT): An airway catheter inserted into the trachea (windpipe) via the mouth or nose in endotracheal intubation. On the NICU this is usually uncuffed.
Endotracheal Intubation: The placement of a tube into the trachea in order to maintain an open airway in patients who are unable to breathe on their own or maintain their own airway.
ETT Suction: The process of applying a negative pressure to the distal ETT or trachea by introducing a catheter to clear excess, or abnormal, secretions.