Suctioning an Adult ICU Patient with an Artificial Airway: A Clinical Practice Guideline

Abstract

Suctioning of a tracheal tube is a frequent, fundamental and clinically significant practice in adult intensive care which carries the risk of adverse events. The variability of pathophysiology between patients requiring mechanical ventilation and the potential adverse effects of the procedure requires that suctioning be customised to the individual patient. The 2007 ICCMU Guideline: Suctioning an Adult with a Tracheal Tube was updated following a comprehensive literature review and evaluation of current practice. The guideline will assist practitioners to develop local policy regarding tracheal suctioning of an artificial airway