A Novel Supraglottic Suction Device in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the SUPRAtube innovation device in preventing ventilator associated events and fluid accumulation in the supraglottic region in patients receiving mechanical ventilation (MV) through orotracheal tubes.

Multicenter, controlled, randomized, parallel, open-label clinical trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio of MV patients compared the use of the SUPRAtube elastomeric device with standard care and aspiration techniques. A series of computer-random numbers and centralized allocation with sealed envelopes were used.

Adult patients (n=108; mean age: 63 yrs, range: 19-85) hospitalized in intensive care units of two centers, the Cardiovascular Foundation of Colombia and the International Hospital of Colombia (Santander, Colombia), were included. All patients received MV through orotracheal tubes, were hemodynamically stable, had upper airway integrity according to fiberoptic bronchoscope findings, and had basic coagulation tests within acceptable risk criteria.

Comprehensive standard of care, including preventive strategies, medical therapy, positive pressure MV, and routine procedures for management of oropharyngeal and pulmonary secretions (humidification, patient mobilization, and airway suctioning), was compared with the standard of care plus continuous supraglottic suction with the new SUPRAtube device.

The study period reached five days before extubation (media 85±7 hours). The weight of the aspirated content was 415 g (P25;P75: 396;536) in the control group and 624 g (P25;P75: 469;824) in the SUPRAtube group (p<0.001), equivalent to a mean difference of 213 g (P₂₅;P₇₅: 55;569; +50%). The device did not induce adverse events.

Continuous supraglottic aspiration using SUPRAtube is complementary, effective, safe, simple, and inexpensive and reduces the accumulation of oropharyngeal secretions in mechanically ventilated patients. The relevant clinical benefit in terms of preventing and improving tracheobronchitis earlier on was demonstrated by sequential fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

The present study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT03573609.