Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a nosocomial pneumonia that develops more than 48-72 hours after endotracheal intubation.1 It is the most common infection acquired by adults and children in intensive care units (ICUs) and is a cause of significant patient morbidity and mortality, increased utilization of healthcare resources and excess cost.2 During mechanical ventilation, secretions from the upper respiratory tract accumulate above the endotracheal tube cuff. Studies have shown that these secretions can seep past the cuff into the lower tract.3 Drainage of the subglottic secretions has been proven as an effective strategy in preventing early-onset VAP.4
the clinical challenge. The endotracheal tube chosen for initial intubation doesn’t always allow for easy access to this valuable practice — until now. That is why we created the new Teleflex ISIS HVT with a separate suction line. The versatile design eliminates the need to be selective during initial intubation, increasing the number of patients who can be viable candidates for post-operative subglottic suctioning, a clinically proven strategy for VAP reduction.5