Endotracheal Suctioning: 4 Things To Consider


An integral component of bronchial hygiene therapy, Endotracheal Suctioning(ETS) includes the maintenance of the oxygenation in order to prevent any obstruction of the airway. Majorly performed by respiratory therapists, it is one of the most common procedures to clear secretions which may be caused by Endotracheal intubation.

Below mentioned are 4 major factors which must be considered by a respiratory therapist while performing Endotracheal Suctioning. Have a look:

1.       Preoxygenation

Preoxygenation is one of the major steps followed during ETS procedure. If studies are to be believed, it is difficult to determine the optimal level of preoxygenation. But when ETS is being performed on adults, general practice is followed and they are preoxygenated with 100% oxygen during all stages of the procedure. However, the case is not same with preterm infants. In preterm infants, it can lead to hyperoxia which, in turn, causes retinopathy of prematurity.

2.       Optimum Vacuum Pressure Level

Studies have allowed the vacuum pressure of up to 360 mm Hg but as a common practice vacuum pressure level of 70 and 150 mm Hg is generally considered. In case, patient is dealing with thick secretions, vacuum pressure level up to 200 mm Hg is also allowed.

3.       Suction Catheter Size

If the size of the catheter is not right, conditions like atelectasis may occur. As a general rule, if the external diameter of the suction catheter is approximately half of its inner diameter, the suction catheter can be very well employed in ETS. However, in some cases, the general recommendation of suction catheter size is not considered.

If the size of the suction catheter is not appropriate, secretions will not be cleared properly. Therefore, only high-quality suction catheters should be considered in Endotracheal Suctioning. To buy suction catheters of appropriate size, you can simply log onto the website of Smart Medical Buyers, one of the most prominent sites for medical equipment online shopping.

4.       Ideal Depth of Catheter Insertion

When it comes to determining the ideal depth of catheter insertion, we have got varied opinions. It is imperative to note that there are majorly two types of suctioning – deep and shallow. In case of deep Endotracheal Suctioning, the therapist inserts the catheter until it goes beyond the tip of the ETT or touches the carina. On the other hand, in shallow suctioning procedure, the catheter is inserted till the time it reaches the tip of the endotracheal tube.

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