Removal of endotracheal tube obstruction with a secretion clearance device

Abstract

Accumulation of secretions may suddenly occlude an endotracheal tube (ETT), requiring immediate medical attention. The endOclear catheter (Endoclear LLC, Petoskey, Michigan) is a novel device designed to clear mucus and debris from an ETT and restore luminal patency. We present 3 subsequent cases of life-threatening partial ETT occlusions recorded over a period of 6 months at Massachusetts General Hospital. After conventional methods (standard tracheal suctioning and bronchoscopy) failed, the endOclear was used, with successful restoration of the airways in all 3 cases. The respiratory conditions rapidly improved, and all 3 patients tolerated the ETT-cleaning maneuver. These results show that such a device is safe and easy to use during an emergency airway situation for efficient and rapid removal of secretions from obstructed ETTs by respiratory therapists.

Keywords: airway obstruction; airway resistance; artificial; biofilms; pneumonia; positive-pressure ventilation; respiration; respiratory failure; ventilator-associated.