RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Are Specialized Endotracheal Tubes and Heat-and-Moisture Exchangers Cost-Effective in Preventing Ventilator Associated Pneumonia? JF Respiratory Care FD American Association for Respiratory Care SP 184 OP 197 VO 55 IS 2 A1 Michael A Gentile A1 Mark S Siobal YR 2010 UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/55/2/184.abstract AB Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common and serious complication of mechanical ventilation via an artificial airway. As with all nosocomial infections, VAP increases costs, morbidity, and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU). VAP prevention is a multifaceted priority of the intensive care team, and can include the use of specialized artificial airways and heat-and-moisture exchangers (HME). Substantial evidence supports the use of endotracheal tubes (ETTs) that allow subglottic suctioning; silver-coated and antiseptic-impregnated ETTs; ETTs with thin-walled polyurethane cuffs; and HMEs, but these devices also can have adverse effects. Controversy still exists regarding the evidence, cost-effectiveness, and disadvantages and risks of these devices.