Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Surgical Treatments for Postamputation Pain
Published on: March 8, 2024
Study protocol: A randomized controlled trial assessing the avoidance of endotracheal suction in cardiac surgical
Eileen Gilder1,2, Rachael L Parke1,2,3,4, Shay McGuinness1,3,4
1FANZCA, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Intensive Care Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
Aims:
To assess the safety and efficacy of avoiding endotracheal suction in postoperative cardiac surgical patients mechanically ventilated for ≤ 12 hr.
Design:
A prospective, single centre, single blind, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of avoiding suction in uncomplicated, postoperative, adult cardiac surgical patients mechanically ventilated for ≤ 12 hr.
Methods:
Randomization will be performed on return to intensive care (ICU) with allocation to either usual postoperative care including suction or to usual care with no suction (intervention arm). The primary outcome is the ratio of partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2 ) to fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2 ) (P/F) 6 hr after extubation. Pain assessments will be performed before, during and after endotracheal suction (ETS) and the patient experience will be investigated with a brief interview the following day. Ethics approval was received in October 2015.
Discussion:
Endotracheal suction is performed as part of airway management but has potential complications and there is little robust evidence to guide practice. This study will add to the evidence base about the need and benefit of endotracheal suction in this patient cohort.
Impact:
As there is currently no published evidence about the safety of avoiding endotracheal suction. This study will provide the first evidence about avoidance of endotracheal suction in patients ventilated for less than 1 day. If non-inferior, the results have the capacity to change nursing practice by avoiding a potentially unnecessary procedure, it will build on the body of knowledge about the patient experience.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
01:14Frustration and Conflict: Avoidance-Avoidance, Double-Approach Avoidance
01:20Bioequivalence Experimental Study Designs: Completely Randomized and Randomized Block Designs
01:23Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
01:23Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure