Minerva anestesiologica
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Minerva anestesiologica · May 2013
Editorial CommentEndotracheal cuffs and microaspiration. No guarantees.
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Minerva anestesiologica · May 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyPolyurethane does not protect better than polyvinyl cuffed tracheal tubes from microaspirations.
Mechanically ventilated patients are prone to develop ventilator associated pneumonia due to microaspirations of subglottic secretions around the endotracheal tube cuff (usually constructed of polyvinyl material). A novel polyurethane cuff has been designed to minimize these leakages. The aim of the study was to compare the tracheal sealing capacities between the two tubes. ⋯ These preliminary results suggest that both tubes are poorly effective in preventing microaspirations.
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Minerva anestesiologica · May 2013
ReviewThe usage of the Boussignac continuous positive airway pressure system in acute respiratory failure.
Traditionally, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) devices have been used to treat patients in acute respiratory failure. However they require an electric power source, are relatively large in size, and may be difficult to use in prehospital settings. The recently introduced Boussignac CPAP system is capable of delivering 10 cmH2O of CPAP, is compact, portable and requires only an oxygen source. ⋯ In one study, implementing Boussignac CPAP reduced intubation rate and hospital stay. Most hospital staff found Boussignac CPAP easy to use and complication rates were low. Boussigac CPAP is a useful device in the treatment of patients with acute respiratory failure, especially in the prehospital setting.