Trans-Endotracheal Tube Suction in the Simulated Breathing Patient

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Abstract
Serious impedance to air flow in the upper respiratory tract may be a complication of disease and of the means employed to improve the patency of an airway, as with endotracheal tubes and suction. A great degree of subatmospheric pressure may be developed during inspiration, in the presence of an endotracheal tube and use of the suction catheter and suction. The extent of change caused by each of these factors, separately and in combination, was measured on a lung model simulating a spontaneously breathing patient. Suction catheters with side arms designed to minimize unwanted suction during catheter manipulation were evaluated and compared with a laboratory standard. The studies revealed that subatmospheric pressures developed in the upper airway may be severe and that the side arms in suction catheters are not nearly as effective as they should be.

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