Abstract
Accumulation of secretions may suddenly occlude an endotracheal tube (ETT), requiring immediate medical attention. The endOclear catheter (Endoclear LLC, Petoskey, Michigan) is a novel device designed to clear mucus and debris from an ETT and restore luminal patency. We present 3 subsequent cases of life-threatening partial ETT occlusions recorded over a period of 6 months at Massachusetts General Hospital. After conventional methods (standard tracheal suctioning and bronchoscopy) failed, the endOclear was used, with successful restoration of the airways in all 3 cases. The respiratory conditions rapidly improved, and all 3 patients tolerated the ETT-cleaning maneuver. These results show that such a device is safe and easy to use during an emergency airway situation for efficient and rapid removal of secretions from obstructed ETTs by respiratory therapists.
- respiration
- artificial
- positive-pressure ventilation
- respiratory failure
- airway obstruction
- airway resistance
- pneumonia
- ventilator-associated
- biofilms
Footnotes
- Correspondence: Lorenzo Berra MD, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, White 434-B, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114. E-mail: lberra{at}partners.org.
- Copyright © 2014 by Daedalus Enterprises Inc.