Effect of an Automated Secretion Removal Technology, Named TrachFlush, on the Need for Tracheal Suctioning - Protocol for a Study in Intubated and Mechanically Ventilated Intensive Care Unit Patients

SUMMARY Rationale In intubated and mechanically ventilated critically ill patients, removal of airway secretions is typically performed by tracheal suctioning, an intervention that is labor-intensive and very unpleasant for the patient. The current study tests the hypothesis that a novel secretion removal technology named TrachFlush, that pushes airway secretions past and above the cuff of the endotracheal tube, reduces the need for tracheal suctioning.

Objective The primary objective of this study is to evaluate whether use of the TrachFlush reduces the need for tracheal suctioning. In a selection of patients, one secondary objective is to ascertain the exact volume of airway secretions that is pushed past and above the cuff of the endotracheal tube.

Study design Open prospective intervention study. Study population One hundred adult, intubated and mechanically ventilated ICU patients expected to need invasive ventilation > 24 hours.

Intervention The attending nurses activate the TrachFlush when there are secretions present in the larger airways that need to be removed. If this results into a push of airway secretions past and above the cuff of the endotracheal tube, no further action is needed. If unsuccessful, the nurse will perform a standard tracheal suctioning procedure to remove the secretions. In a subset of patients with an endotracheal tube that allows subglottal suctioning, the exact amount of airway secretions present above the cuff will be measured each time the TrachFlush is used.

Main study parameters/endpoints The proportion of successful TrachFlush activations from start of the study to complete weaning from the ventilator, or a maximum of 7 days (primary). Secondary endpoints include the total number of TrachFlush activations during the same time window (all patients), and the exact amount of airway secretions pushed past and above the cuff of the endotracheal tube (in patients with a tube allows subglottal suctioning).

Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness Inappropriate deflation or inflation of the endotracheal cuff by the TrachFlush could cause harm. However, the cuff pressure will be checked regularly, and if necessary corrected, at least every time the TrachFlush has been used. Patients may benefit from the intervention, as the need for tracheal suctioning may reduce.