Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
-
Observational Study
Airway injury from the presence of endotracheal tubes and the association with subglottic secretion drainage: a prospective observational study.
Laryngeal and tracheal injuries are known complications of endotracheal intubation. Endotracheal tubes (ETTs) with subglottic suction devices (SSDs) are commonly used in the critical care setting. There is concern that herniation of tissue into the suction port of these devices may lead to tracheal injury resulting in serious clinical consequences such as tracheal stenosis. We aimed to describe the type and location of tracheal injuries seen in intubated critically ill patients and assess injuries at the suction port as well as in-hospital complications associated with those injuries. ⋯ Airway injury was common in critically ill patients following endotracheal intubation, and tracheal injury commonly occurred at the site of the endotracheal cuff. Injury occurred at the site of the subglottic suction port in some patients although the clinical consequences of these injuries remain unclear.
-
While patient and family engagement may improve clinical care and research, current practices for engagement in Canadian intensive care units (ICUs) are unknown. ⋯ Organizational strategies and institutional support were key facilitators of engagement. Engagement in patient care was a higher priority than engagement in research.