Measurement of endotracheal tube secretions volume by micro computed tomography (MicroCT) scan: an experimental and clinical study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Biofilm accumulates within the endotracheal tube (ETT) early after intubation. Contaminated secretions in the ETT are associated with increased risk for microbial dissemination in the distal airways and increased resistance to airflow. We evaluated the effectiveness of micro computed tomography (MicroCT) for the quantification of ETT inner volume reduction in critically ill patients.

Methods

We injected a known amount of gel into unused ETT to simulate secretions. We calculated the volume of gel analyzing MicroCT scans for a length of 20 cm. We then collected eleven ETTs after extubation of critically ill patients, recording clinical and demographical data. We assessed the amount of secretions by MicroCT and obtained ETT microbiological cultures.

Results

Gel volumes assessed by MicroCT strongly correlated with injected gel volumes (p?ConclusionsMicroCT appears as a feasible and precise technique to measure volume of secretions within ETTs after extubation. In patients, secretions tend to accumulate in the cuff region, with high variability among patients.

SUBMITTER: Coppadoro A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3986655 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature