What is the Effect of heated humidifier vs mist nebulizer on Endotracheal tube patency among intubated patients?
The process of humidification plays a crucial role in the comprehensive management of intubated patients undergoing invasive ventilation. Several studies have demonstrated the negative consequences of insufficient humidification on the respiratory system, including heightened respiratory effort, collapse of lung tissue (atelectasis), thick and dehydrated mucus, coughing and/or bronchospasm, obstruction or reduced openness of the endotracheal tube (ETT), and increased resistance to the flow of gases being delivered. The effects of the mist nebulizer and heated humidifier (HH) on the amount of endotracheal tube (ETT) blocking were compared by the authors.
This study consisted of a prospective, randomized controlled experiment including a total of 60 patients who had undergone overnight intubation and were spontaneously breathing. Of these patients, 30 were assigned to the HH group, while the other 30 were assigned to the mist nebulizer group. The quantitative measurement of endotracheal tube (ETT) patency decrease was conducted by calculating the difference in ETT volume between the pre-intubation and immediate post-extubation stages. This measurement was then compared between the two groups. Additionally, the study documented and analyzed the features of secretion, the temperature of inspired gas at the Y-piece, and the frequency of refilling the humidifier chamber.
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