To demonstrate the efficacy of the Anapnoguard endotracheal tubes and its control unit, researchers put them to use in proof of concept research, including on 15 patients who had COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome. Suction, venting, and washing of the subglottic area are all provided by the Anapnoguard system. Additionally, the device maintains cuff pressure and detects air leaking through the cuff.
In the first 72 hours after the patient was connected to the system, 85 tracheal aspirates were analyzed to determine the levels of the enzymes alpha-amylase and pepsin, which serve as indicators for oropharyngeal and gastric microaspiration. Oropharyngeal microaspiration was seen in 47 instances or 55% of the total. They did not find any evidence of episodes of gastric microaspiration. In addition, it was found that the concentration of alpha-amylase and pepsin in tracheal secretions was unaffected by the patient’s position, whether the patient was prone or supine.
The rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) was 40%. Through the utilization of the AG system, excellent cuff pressure control and drainage of subglottic secretions were achieved. Despite this, there has been no evidence of a decrease in the incidence of VAP in comparison to the data that has been presented in the most recent COVID-19 literature. It is important to do research into the potential benefits of this emerging technology in order to reduce the risk of infections that are connected with the use of ventilators.
Source: ccforum.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13054-022-04225-4
