Does Tracheal Suction During Extubation in Intensive Care Unit Decrease Functional Residual Capacity

Little is known about the procedure of extubation of patients admitted in Intensive Care Units (ICU). In particular, effects of tracheal suction during extubation have never been evaluated. Tracheal suction induces alveolar derecruitment in sedated patients under mechanical ventilation and is a major source of pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of tracheal suction during the extubation procedure of critically ill patients on the end-expiratory lung volume.