Conventional endotracheal tubes were placed with Hi-Lo Evac endotracheal tubes (Covidien). These tubes have an extra port above the inflated cuff that was connected to low continuous suction. Continuous low suction promoted drainage of oral secretion from above the cuff, therefore decreasing the chance that secretions would seep into the lungs. The cost of the tubes used for subglottic suctioning was $12.42.