Can ventilator settings reduce the negative effects of endotracheal suctioning? Investigations in a mechanical lung model

Table 2 Key variables and their effects on model airway pressure and tidal volume

SUCTION EFFECT VARIABLES	Model airway pressure reduction	Tidal volume reduction
ETT size reduction	Strong impact	Strong impact
Suction device alteration	Bronchoscope > Closed catheter	Bronchoscope > Closed catheter
Increased suction pressure	Strong impact	Vt_e reduced
Ventilator PCV - > VCV	Moderate impact (ETT size dependent)	Vt_i unchanged, Vt_e reduced
Inverse ratio ventilation	Strong impact in VCV (not PCV)	Vt_i increased
Negative trigger sensitivity	Strong impact	Minor impact on Vt_i and Vt_e

The variables are listed according to their impact on the reduction of model airway pressure and tidal volume during suctioning

ISSN: 1471-2253