Technologic advances in endotracheal tubes for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and costs. Interventions to prevent VAP are a high priority in the care of critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation (MV). Multiple interventions are recommended by evidence-based practice guidelines to prevent VAP, but there is a growing interest in those related to the endotracheal tube (ETT) as the main target linked to VAP. Microaspiration and biofilm formation are the two most important mechanisms implicated in the colonization of the tracheal bronchial tree and the development of VAP. Microaspiration occurs when there is distal migration of microorganisms present in the secretions accumulated above the ETT cuff. Biofilm formation has been described as the development of a network of secretions and attached microorganisms that migrate along the ETT cuff polymer and inside the lumen, facilitating the transfer to the sterile bronchial tree. Therefore, our objective was to review the literature related to recent advances in ETT technologies regarding their impact on the control of microaspiration and biofilm formation in patients on MV, and the subsequent impact on VAP.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)231-238
Number of pages8
JournalChest
Volume142
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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