The effect of different endotracheal suction procedures on arterial blood gases in a controlled experimental model

Abstract

In an anesthetized hypoxemic animal model, 15 seconds of endotracheal suctioning, using a suction pressure of --170 mm. Hg and endotracheal tube to suction catheter ratio of 1.87 to 1, produced a 13 mm. Hg fall in arterial oxygen tension. Oxygen tension did not return to control level even at 5 minutes after suctioning. Giving 100 per cent oxygen before suctioning prevented suction-induced hypoxemia during and immediately after suctioning, but at 5 minutes after suctioning, oxygen tension fell below control levels. Mechanical lung hyperinflation with room air after suctioning quickly raised arterial oxygen tension above control levels. When mechanical ventilation using 100 per cent oxygen was maintained before, during, and after the suction procedure, arterial oxygen tension remained elevated at all times.