Visual Sputum Suctioning System Tests in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

BACKGROUND: The investigators developed a fiber-optic-guided endotracheal suction catheter (visual sputum suctioning system or VSSS), which the investigators previously tested in vitro and animals. It integrates a 0.9-mm micro-imaging fiber into a 3.7-mm double-lumen catheter. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of sputum suctioning system in mechanical ventilated patients in respiratory intensive care unit (RICU). The investigators compare the weight of secretions collected, vital signs, and tracheal wall injury between two groups of patients randomized to have VSSS combined with closed system suction (CSC) suction and patients having CSC suction alone. HYPOTHESIS: The investigators theorized that the VSSS collected more sputum and caused less change of vital signs than conventional CSC.