Purpose of Suctioning

Purpose of Suctioning

To maintain a patent airway and prevent airway obstruction

Purpose of Suctioning

To promote respiratory function (optimal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide into/out of the lungs)

Purpose of Suctioning

To prevent pneumonia that may result from accumulated secretions

Endotracheal Tube (ET Tube)

A flexible tube inserted through the mouth or nose into the trachea to maintain an open airway and allow mechanical ventilation

ET Tube – Definition

Inserted through mouth/nose

ET Tube – Definition

Temporary airway patency

Tracheostomy Tube – Definition

Inserted via surgical opening (stoma) in the neck

ET Tube – Insertion Site

Oral or nasal route

Tracheostomy Tube – Insertion Site

Surgical opening, anterior neck

ET Tube – Duration

Short-term (hours–days)

Tracheostomy Tube – Duration

Long-term (days–months+)

ET Tube – Purpose

Emergency airway management

ET Tube – Purpose

Surgery

ET Tube – Purpose

Ventilation

Tracheostomy Tube – Purpose

Long-term airway support

Tracheostomy Tube – Purpose

Prolonged ventilation

ET Tube – Insertion Procedure

Non-surgical, bedside intubation

Tracheostomy Tube – Insertion Procedure

Surgical

Tracheostomy Tube – Insertion Procedure

Requires sterile technique

ET Tube – Comfort

Less comfortable

ET Tube – Comfort

Risk of trauma to vocal cords

Tracheostomy Tube – Comfort

More comfortable long-term

Tracheostomy Tube – Comfort

Allows speech with devices

ET Tube – Mobility

Limited

ET Tube – Mobility

Tube restricts movement

Tracheostomy Tube – Mobility

Greater mobility

Tracheostomy Tube – Mobility

Tube secured in neck

ET Tube – Complication Risk

Vocal cord damage

ET Tube – Complication Risk

Sinusitis

ET Tube – Complication Risk

Discomfort

Tracheostomy Tube – Complication Risk

Stoma infection

Tracheostomy Tube – Complication Risk

Bleeding

Tracheostomy Tube – Complication Risk

Tracheal stenosis

ET Tube – Suctioning Access

Through mouth/nose tube

Tracheostomy Tube – Suctioning Access

Direct access via stoma

ET Tube – Speech Ability

Usually none unless tube removed

Tracheostomy Tube – Speech Ability

Possible with cuff deflation and speaking valve

Care and Maintenance (ET/Tracheostomy Tube)

Regular monitoring of tube position and patency

Care and Maintenance (ET/Tracheostomy Tube)

Frequent suctioning of secretions to prevent blockage

Care and Maintenance (ET/Tracheostomy Tube) – Adequate cuff pressure

Enough to prevent air leak, but not so high it damages tracheal mucosa

Care and Maintenance (ET/Tracheostomy Tube)

Oral hygiene to reduce infection risk