Would "Suction above Cuff" be a Better Option than the "Standard" Endotracheal Tube for the Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Randomized Study in Postoperative Neurological Patients

Pathogenesis-Targeted Preventive Strategies for Multidrug Resistant Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Narrative Review

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common hospital-acquired infection in the intensive care unit (ICU), accounting for relevant morbidity and mortality among critically ill patients, especially when caused by multidrug resistant (MDR) organisms. The rising problem of MDR etiologies, which has led to a reduction in treatment options, have increased clinician’s attention to the employment of effective prevention strategies. In this narrative review we summarized the evidence resulting from 27 original articles that were identified through a systematic database search of the last 15 years, focusing on several pathogenesis-targeted strategies which could help preventing MDR-VAP. Oral hygiene with Chlorhexidine (CHX), CHX body washing, selective oral decontamination (SOD) and/or digestive decontamination (SDD), multiple decontamination regimens, probiotics, subglottic secretions drainage (SSD), special cuff material and shape, silver-coated endotracheal tubes (ETTs), universal use of gloves and contact isolation, alcohol-based hand gel, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and bundles of care have been addressed. The most convincing evidence came from interventions directly addressed against the key factors of MDR-VAP pathogenesis, especially when they are jointly implemented into bundles. Further research, however, is warranted to identify the most effective combination.

Effect of using the Suction Above Cuff Endotracheal Tube (SACETT) on postoperative respiratory complications in rhinoplasty: a randomized prospective controlled trial

Background: The Suction Above Cuff Endotracheal Tube (SACETT) has a dorsal port above the cuff designed to enable the continuous or intermittent suctioning of secretions from the subglottic space. Thus, it facilitates the suctioning of excessive secretions above the cuff and around the glottis.

Objectives: In this study, we investigated the effect of the using the SACETT on laryngospasm and postoperative complications in rhinoplasty operations.

Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled 132 patients undergoing rhinoplasty. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: Suction above Cuff Endotracheal Tube (n=66; Group SA) and classic endotracheal tube (n=66; Group C). Complications following general anesthesia were statistically analyzed among the two groups.

Results: The incidence of postoperative laryngospasm (p=0.02) and respiratory complications was found to be lower in Group SA than in Group C. In addition, the incidence of agitation (p=0.035), postoperative nausea, and vomiting (PONV) (p=0.041), which required antiemetic drug administration, swallowing difficulty (p=0.012), and sore throat (p=0.027) were found to be lower in Group SA than in Group C.

Conclusion: We suggest that using the SACETT in rhinoplasty reduces the incidence of postoperative respiratory complications as well as the incidence of agitation, sore throat, swallowing difficulty, and PONV.

Clinical Trial Number: NCT03584503