title: Selective placement of bronchial suction catheters in intubated full term and premature neonates.
abstract: Flexible straight suction catheters were passed through nasal endotracheal tubes in 30 newborn infants (gestation age 26-42 weeks; birth weight 800-4,100 g) undergoing mechanical ventilation just before chest radiographic examination for clinical purpose. With the head in midline position, 63% (19/30) and 37% (11/30) of the catheters, entered the right and left main bronchus, respectively. With the head turning to either the left or right side, 87% (26/30) and 73% (22/30) of the catheters, entered the contralateral bronchus, respectively. Both success rates increased significantly (p less than 0.05 and p less than 0.01). Thus, turning the head facilitates passage of the cather into the contralateral mainstem bronchus in full term and premature neonates.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, R.O.C.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Soong
authors.forename: B T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Hwang
mesh_terms: D001980:Bronchi; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D011187:Posture; D013396:Suction / Q000379:methods*