Functional residual capacity changes after different endotracheal suctioning methods.
BACKGROUND
Our primary objective was to investigate the effects of three different endotracheal suctioning procedures on functional residual capacity (FRC).


METHODS
Using a crossover design, postoperative cardiac surgery patients (n = 20) received three different suctioning methods in randomized order: closed suctioning during pressure-controlled ventilation, closed suctioning during volume-controlled ventilation, and open suctioning. FRC was measured before and 20 min after the intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
FRC is reduced in postcardiac surgery patients after suctioning, regardless of which method is used. Certain patients may have very pronounced changes of FRC. Routine FRC measurements could complement respiratory monitoring to optimize respiratory therapy.
Heinze
Hermann
H
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany. Hermann.heinze@uk-sh.de
Sedemund-Adib
Beate
B
Heringlake
Matthias
M
Gosch
Ulrich W
UW
Eichler
Wolfgang
W
D000368:Aged; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D005652:Functional Residual Capacity; D006801:Humans; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011312:Pressure; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000379:methods*; D013396:Suction; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome