Objective: To quantify and compare variations in oxygen saturation throughout the suctioning procedure (before, during, and after) using two endotracheal suction systems: open suction system (OSS) vs. closed suction system (CSS).
Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was carried out with 39 newborn infants of gestational age ≥ 34 weeks using pressure-limited, time-cycled, continuous-flow mechanical ventilators. The infants were classified into two groups according to ventilatory parameters: Group I was ventilated using positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ≥ 5 cm H2O and mean airway pressure (MAP) ≥ 8 cm H2O; and Group II using PEEP < 5 cm H2O and MAP < 8 cm H2O.
Results: No statistically significant differences were observed when OSS and CSS were compared in both groups. There was a statistically significant improvement in post-procedure oxygen saturation in both groups.
Conclusion: Both endotracheal suction systems can be used with no drawbacks of OSS in relation to CSS, provided the sample is similar to that of the present study.