This paper reviews the interventions currently
available that have a clinical impact with regards to
a reduction in the incidence of VAP. Interventions
to be described include reducing the time patients
spend mechanically ventilated, technical features of
the endotracheal tube (ETT) and other mechanical
considerations, and infection-control measures such
as oral care and selective digestive decontamination.
In order to fully understand these VAP-prevention
strategies, the patient population at risk for development
of VAP and the pathophysiology of VAP are also
discussed.