RCT of Mesh Versus Jet Nebulizers on Clinical Outcomes During Mechanical Ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit

Aerosol delivery during mechanical ventilation has long been a long debated topic. As evidence-based knowledge about the delivery of aerosol to the lungs of mechanically ventilated patients increases, one piece of the puzzle has remained unexplored; measurement of clinically relevant outcomes. The primary aim of this research is to compare clinical outcomes (ventilator-associated events (VAEs), length of stay (LOS) in intensive care unit (ICU), and total days on mechanical ventilation) when using a traditional jet nebulizer versus a newer generation vibrating mesh nebulizer during mechanical ventilation. The secondary aim of this research is to identify source of bacteria by obtaining cultures of each nebulizer and ventilator circuit and plating them for colony growth and identification.