Automated Secretion Removal Technology: Will You See It in Your ICU?

Suctioning the artificial airway in mechanically ventilated ICU patients is a standard of care and common practice around the world. Whereas most consider this procedure relatively safe, complications are common and include airway trauma with bleeding, oxygen desaturation, increased intracranial pressure, and hemodynamic and heart rate alterations.1 In my discussions with patients previously receiving mechanical ventilation, they frequently remember suctioning as one of the worst ICU experiences. Current guidelines recommend preoxygenation, sedation, and only suctioning when indicated to mitigate these adverse effects.1 Is it time for a new airway clearance technique for mechanically ventilated patients? Sinnige et al's study, entitled "A Prospective, Longitudinal Study Evaluating the Efficacy of an Automated Secretion Removal Technology," proposes a new technology to create an automated cough to reduce the need for endotracheal suctioning as part of routine care.2 … Correspondence: David L Vines PhD RRT FAARC, Rush University Medical Center, AAC 749, 600 S. Paulina Street, Chicago, IL 60612. E-mail: David_Vines{at}rush.edu