Suctioning Smarter: Answers to Eight Common Questions about Endotracheal Suctioning in Neonates

Abstract

ENDOTRACHEAL SUCTIONING IS important to clear secretions, maintain airway patency, and facilitate oxygenation and ventilation in intubated infants. But suctioning is not a benign procedure. It can cause hypoxia, atelectasis, pneumothorax, infection, tissue damage, and changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and intracranial pressure.1–17Studies have been conducted in both adults and infants to identify the best approach to suctioning.3,6,7,18,19This article uses research findings to address eight common questions about endotracheal suctioning. When suctioning practices are based on research, rather than on tradition, outcomes should improve.