Supporting Documents:
The need to reduce ventilator associated events is the primary reason the Shiley Evac Oral Endotracheal Tube with TaperGuard Cuff is critical for all patients on a ventilator in the ICU. The use of the Shiley reduces Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) by an Average of 50%.
Subglottic secretion drainage (SSD) helps remove oral and/or gastric secretions from above the endotracheal tube cuff before they can be aspirated. Such aspirations may lead to a very serious complication known as VAP or Ventilator Associated Pneumonia.
SSD must be done with a specialized endotracheal tube with a separate dorsal suction lumen located just above the cuff. Based upon clinical evidence, the following organizations recommend the use of SSD to reduce the incidence of VAP:
- SHEA Guidelines
- American Thoracic Society/ Infectious Diseases Society of America (ATS/IDSA) - Level I
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - Category II
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Shiley Evac Oral Endotracheal Tube with TaperGuard Cuff Features:
- An integrated cuff inflation line
- An integrated suction lumen
- Patented TaperGuard cuff
- Easy-to-read tube insertion markings
The use of subglottic suctioning combined with the hospital-designed VAP or VAC bundle can:
- Reduce overall antibiotic use
- Reduce the incidence of VAP
- Reduce the overall length of stay (LOS) required
- Improve patient outcomes