Effect of Intermittent Versus Continuous Subglottic Secretion Drainage on Tracheal Mucosa Damages

Endotracheal tubes with subglottic secretion drainage (incorporating a suction port above the cuff) have been shown to reduce the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Subglottic secretion drainage can be either continuous or intermittent. However, concerns about the safety of continuous subglottic secretion drainage were raised in an experimental study in sheep, which found widespread injuries to tracheal mucosa and/or submucosa. Our objective is therefore to compare intermittent versus continuous subglottic secretion drainage on tracheal mucosa damages in patients requiring mechanical ventilation for an expected duration of more than 24 hours.