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Updated: May 4, 2026

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Removal of endotracheal tube obstruction with a secretion clearance device
Cristina Mietto1, Kevin Foley2, Lindsay Salerno2
1Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine.
Abstract:
Accumulation of secretions may suddenly occlude an endotracheal tube (ETT), requiring immediate medical attention. The endOclear catheter (Endoclear LLC, Petoskey, Michigan) is a novel device designed to clear mucus and debris from an ETT and restore luminal patency. We present 3 subsequent cases of life-threatening partial ETT occlusions recorded over a period of 6 months at Massachusetts General Hospital. After conventional methods (standard tracheal suctioning and bronchoscopy) failed, the endOclear was used, with successful restoration of the airways in all 3 cases. The respiratory conditions rapidly improved, and all 3 patients tolerated the ETT-cleaning maneuver. These results show that such a device is safe and easy to use during an emergency airway situation for efficient and rapid removal of secretions from obstructed ETTs by respiratory therapists.
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