Influence of an Endotracheal Tube with Polyurethane Cuff and Subglottic Secretion Drainage on Pneumonia

Subglottic secretion drainage (SSD) appears to be effective in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), primarily by reducing early-onset pneumonia; but it may not prevent late-onset pneumonia. We tested the hypothesis using an endotracheal tube incorporating an ultrathin polyurethane cuff (which reduces channel formation and fluid leakage from the subglottic area), in addition to an SSD lumen, which would reduce the incidence of...