Eficacia y seguridad del equipo de aspiración de vacío extraoral para prevenir la infección por Sars-cov-2 en personal sanitario expuesto durante procedimientos estomatológicos / Efficacy and safety of extraoral vacuum aspiration equipment to prevent Sars-cov-2 infection in healthcare personnel exposed during stomatological procedures

ANTECEDENTES: El presente documento expone la evaluación de la eficacia y seguridad del equipo de aspiración de vacío extraoral en comparación con el eyector de saliva o el aspirador de secreción con flujo de succión no menor a 50 L/min (actualmente disponibles en la institución), para prevenir la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en personal sanitario expuesto durante procedimientos estomatológicos. ASPECTOS GENERALES: La pandemia por la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) ha tenido un impacto significativo en la atención odontológica (Abdelrahman et al. 2021; Cagetti et al. 2021). En diversos países, la atención odontológica ambulatoria fue interrumpida al inicio de la pandemia, a excepción de la atención de emergencia y urgencia dental (Abdelrahman et al. 2021; Cagetti et al. 2021). Esta interrupción de las atenciones odontológicas se debió a que 14,tc. 1 el cuidado dental implica un contacto cercano con el paciente durante periodos de tiempo "or prolongados, lo que genera preocupación sobre la transmisión del SARS-CoV-2 a través de la generación de aerosoles durante los procedimientos estomatológicos (Meng, Hua, and Bian 2020; Peng et al. 2020). De acuerdo con los Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), los dispositivos dentales que generan aerosoles y contaminan el aire incluyen al raspador ultrasónico, la pieza de mano dental de alta velocidad, jeringa de aire o agua, pulido y abrasión por aire (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2022). Estos procedimientos generan una mezcla de aerosoles y gotitas (miden 0.001 a 50 pm de diámetro) que contienen sangre y saliva con diversos patógenos (T. S. Singh and Mabe 2009), lo que genera un ambiente con alto potencial de transmisión de enfermedades como la COVID-19 (Peng et al. 2020). En base a este aumento del riesgo de transmisión de SARS-CoV-2 en los trabajadores de salud, los responsables de formular políticas y los equipos clínicos han optado por reevaluar y adaptar la atención odontológica en respuesta a los desafíos de la pandemia por COVID-19 (World Health Organization 2020b). METODOLOGÍA: La búsqueda sistemática se realizó en las bases de datos bibliográficas PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science y LILACS (Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud). Asimismo, se realizó una búsqueda en las páginas web de grupos o instituciones que realizan revisiones sistemáticas (RS), evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias (ETS) y guías de práctica clínica (GPC), tales como el National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), la Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), el Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), la Haute Authorité de Santé (HAS), el Institute for Quality and Efficiency in HealthCare (IQWiG), el Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) yen la Base Regional de Informes de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud de las Américas (BRISA), y en las principales instituciones o sociedades especializadas en odontología: la American Dental Association y la British Dental Association. Adicionalmente, se llevó a cabo una búsqueda manual en el motor de búsqueda Google utilizando los términos: (("extra-oral" OR extraoral) AND (vacuum OR aspirator OR suction) AND (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2)) y (("extra-oral" OR extraoral) AND (vacuum OR aspirator OR suction) AND (virus OR viral)); revisando en las diez primeras páginas de resultados, a fin de poder identificar otras publicaciones de relevancia que pudiesen haber sido omitidas por la estrategia de búsqueda o que no hayan sido publicadas en las bases de datos bibliográficas consideradas. Finalmente, se realizó una búsqueda manual de las referencias de los estudios que ingresaron a la fase de texto completo, así como una búsqueda manual en la plataforma ClinicalTrials.gov para identificar ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (ECA) en curso o que no hayan sido publicados aún. RESULTADOS: GPC: gula de práctica clínica; ETS: evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias; RS: revisión sistemática; ECA: ensayo clínico aleatorizado; EO: estudio observacional; LILACS: Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud; BRISA: Base Regional de Informes de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud de las Américas; JDA: Japan Dental Association, NHS: National Health Service. Flujograma adaptado de: Page MJ, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 2021;372:n71. CONCLUSIONES: El presente dictamen preliminar tuvo por objetivo realizar una evaluación sobre la eficacia y seguridad del equipo de aspiración de vacío extraoral en comparación con el eyector de saliva y el aspirador de secreción con flujo de succión no menor a 50 L/min (actualmente disponibles en la institución), para prevenir la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en personal sanitario expuesto durante procedimientos estomatológicos. Se identificaron una GPC (Hoshi et al.) y cinco documentos de recomendación realizados por Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, Dental Council of India, Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria y Government of Canada relevantes para el tema. La GPC emite una recomendación sobre la tecnología de interés; sin embargo, esta recomendación tuvo un muy bajo nivel de evidencia y recomendación débil debido a que se basó en un único estudio de simulación, lo cual no permite extrapolar los resultados a un entorno clínico de la vida real con pacientes o personal de salud. Ninguno de los documentos de recomendación incluidos emite recomendaciones sobre la intervención de interés (equipo de aspiración de vacío extraoral), sino que hacen referencia a los dispositivos evacuadores de alto volumen que son de uso intraoral, diferentes a lo solicitado. Asimismo, recomiendan otras medidas que se deben tomar en cuenta para mitigar la transmisión de enfermedades durante procedimientos generadores de aerosoles, donde destacan el uso de diques dentales, uso de equipo de protección personal adecuado, odontología a cuatro manos, y enjuagues bucales con clorhexidina. En el documento del MINSA, destacan una serie de disposiciones que deben instaurarse al momento de realizar una atención odontológica. Dentro de estas disposiciones destacan las medidas que debe utilizar el personal de salud dental antes, durante y después de la atención (principalmente, el uso del equipo de protección personal), en los establecimientos odontológicos (como una ventilación adecuada) y el esquema de vacunación completo del personal de salud. Las acciones combinadas tendrían un impacto positivo en la prevención de la infección por SARS-CoV-2. Por lo expuesto, el !ETS' no aprueba el uso del equipo de aspiración de vacío extraoral para prevenir la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en personal sanitario expuesto durante procedimientos estomatológicos.

Impact of the Revised NRP Meconium Aspiration Guidelines on Term Infant Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program, Seventh Edition changes on term infants born with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated the effect of no longer routinely intubating nonvigorous term infants born with MSAF in 14 322 infants seen by the resuscitation team from January 1, 2014 to June 30, 2017 in a large, urban, academic hospital. RESULTS: Delivery room intubations of term infants with MSAF fell from 19% to 3% after the change in guidelines (P = <.0001). The rate of all other delivery room intubations also decreased by 3%. After the implementation of the Seventh Edition guidelines, 1-minute Apgar scores were significantly more likely to be >3 (P = .009) and significantly less likely to be <7 (P = .011). The need for continued respiratory support after the first day of life also decreased. Admission rates to the NICU, length of stay, and the need for respiratory support on admission were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program, Seventh Edition recommendations against routine suctioning nonvigorous infants born with MSAF was temporally associated with an improvement in 1-minute Apgar scores and decreased the need for respiratory support after the first day of life. There was also a significant decrease in total intubations performed in the delivery room. This has long-term implications on intubation experience among frontline providers.

Interchanging Breast Pump Kit Brands Alters Breast Pump Suction Pressure.

Background: Postpartum mothers express and store breast milk using a hospital-grade pump and manufacturer-specific kit (flanges, bottles, tubing, valves, and membranes). After hospital discharge, mothers may attempt to interchange kits from different manufacturers. The objective of this study is to determine whether pump performance is affected by the use of a different manufacturer's kit. Materials and Methods: Suction pressure was tested using kits and six pumps from three manufacturers (Ameda, Medela, and Spectra). Pump settings (speed and vacuum strength) simulated maximum, minimum, and commonly used median settings. Suction pressure (mmHg) was measured using an analog gauge and repeated six times for each pump-kit combination. Measurements were compared using repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to determine whether kit was an independent predictor of suction pressure. Results: The kit type was a significant independent predictor (p < 0.05) of suction pressure for all at medium vacuum strength and many at maximum and minimum vacuum strengths. Upon further analysis interchanging kits resulted in both significantly increased and decreased suction pressures compared to the manufacturer-specific kit. Conclusion: Breast pump kits generate variable suction pressures when interchanged between pumps from different manufacturers. Interchanging combinations of kits and breast pumps could potentially lead to low milk expression due to ineffective suction pressure or increased discomfort from excessive pressure. The results of this study emphasize the importance of maternal education regarding the use of manufacturer-specific kits and breast pumps.

Adverse events and practice variability associated with paediatric endotracheal suction: An observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of endotracheal tube (ETT) suction-related adverse events (AEs) and to examine associations between AEs and patient and suction characteristics. Secondary objectives were to describe ETT suction practices in an Australian paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). METHODS: A prospective, observational study was undertaken in a mixed cardiac and general PICU. Children were eligible for inclusion if they were intubated and mechanically ventilated. Data on patient and suction variables (indication for ETT suction, number of suction episodes per mechanical ventilation episode, indication for normal saline instillation [NSI] and NSI dose) including potential predictive variables (age, Paediatric Index of Mortality 3 [PIM3], NSI, positive end-expiratory pressure, and hyperoxygenation) were collected. The main outcome variable was a composite measure of any AE. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 955 suction episodes were recorded in 100 children. AEs occurred in 211 (22%) ETT suctions. Suction-related AEs were not associated with age, diagnostic category, or index of mortality score. Desaturation was the most common AE (180 suctions; 19%), with 69% of desaturation events requiring clinician intervention. Univariate logistic regression showed the odds of desaturation decreased as the internal diameter of the ETT increased (odds ratio [OR]: 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37-0.95; p = 0.028). Multivariable modelling revealed NSI was significantly associated with an increased risk of desaturation (adjusted OR [aOR]: 3.23; 95% CI: 1.99-5.40; p < 0.001) and the occurrence of an AE (aOR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.74-4.37; p < 0.001). Presuction increases in fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) was significantly associated with an increased risk of experiencing an AE (aOR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.27-3.15; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: ETT suction-related AEs are common and associated with NSI and the requirement for pre-suction increases in FiO2. Clinical trial data are needed to identify high-risk patient groups and to develop interventions which optimise practice and reduce the occurrence of ETT suction-related AEs.

Assessing the Clinical Competence of Health Care Professionals Who Perform Airway Suctioning in Adults.

Airway suctioning is an important health care intervention that can be associated with serious adverse effects. Given the risks involved with suctioning, it is important to ensure the clinical competence of health care professionals who perform it. A scoping review was conducted to identify the nature and extent of research related to the assessment of airway-suctioning competence for health care professionals working with adults. This included an examination of the assessment context, the type of suctioning and health care professionals being assessed, and the methods used to assess competence. Four scientific electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library) were searched from inception to March 9, 2018. A gray literature search was also performed. Two reviewers independently screened articles and resources for inclusion, and data were extracted using a form created by the authors. Seventy full text articles and resources were screened for eligibility, with 36 included in the review. Endotracheal suctioning was the most common type, and intensive or critical care units were the primary setting of interest (28 of 36, 78%). Competence or a component of competence for nurses, nursing students, nursing assistants, or nurse technicians was specifically addressed in 97% (35 of 36) of the included articles and resources; 4 of 36 (11%) also included physical therapists, 1 of 36 (3%) included respiratory therapists, and 1 of 36 (3%) was aimed toward all clinicians who perform suctioning. Nine (25%) used questionnaire-based assessments, 11 (31%) used checklists, audit forms, or other observational tools, and 16 (44%) used both. Directed content analysis revealed 3 major themes: consistency across overarching evaluation frameworks, inconsistency across detailed components, and inconsistency in the evaluation or reporting of assessment tool measurement properties. Additional gaps in the literature included limited consideration of health care professionals beyond nursing, limited consideration of settings beyond intensive and critical care, a lack of tools to assess nasotracheal and orotracheal suctioning, and limited detail regarding assessment tool development.

Have the 2015 Neonatal Resuscitation Program Guidelines changed the management and outcome of infants born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid?

BACKGROUND: In 2015, the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) guidelines were updated to recommend that nonvigorous infants delivered through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) do not require routine intubation and tracheal suction. OBJECTIVE: Explore the implications of 2015 NRP guidelines on delivery room management and outcome of infants born through MSAF. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital (KAUH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All term ( greater than or equal 37 weeks) infants born in KAUH through MSAF between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to the date of birth: period 1 (January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016), before the implementation of the new NRP guidelines; period 2 (January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017), after the implementation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes of infants born through MSAF. SAMPLE SIZE: 420 infants. RESULTS: A majority of infants (n=261) were born in period 1 and 159 after in period 2. No differences were found in the booking status of mothers, cesarean section rate, and number of deliveries attended by physicians between the 2 cohorts. Infants in both cohorts were of similar gestational age, birth weight, and gender. A nonsignificant lower rate of intubation at birth (2.3% vs 0.6%), admission to neonatal intensive care unit (3.8% vs 3.1%), and meconium aspiration syndrome (1.5% vs 0.6%) were found in period 2 compared with period 1. Only 1 infant died in period 1. CONCLUSION: After the implementation of 2015 NRP guidelines, fewer infants were intubated at birth for MSAF. No difference was observed in the rate of associated morbidities and mortality. LIMITATIONS: A single-center retrospective study of misclassification bias because some of the medical staff started practicing the new guidelines before the official implementation. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Airway Clearance of the Term Newborn.

PURPOSE: This descriptive, observational study explored the practice of airway clearance of the term newborn at birth. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Heart Association, and the European Resuscitation Council have established guidelines for suctioning the well newborn. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Airway clearance practices of nurses, obstetricians, and respiratory therapists at 10 cesarean births and 10 vaginal births were observed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and through content analysis of narratives. RESULTS: All newborns observed experienced at least one airway clearance event and multiple airway clearance passes. Indications for suctioning were not consistent with professional guidelines. Airway clearance procedures and practices were inconsistent. Two suction devices used: the blue bulb syringe and orogastric catheter. If a newborn was suctioned three times, the orogastric catheter was the predominate device used. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: There was a lack of adherence to established clinical guidelines for newborn airway clearance. Further study is needed to identify education of airway clearance guidelines. Specific protocols such as safe suctioning methods, correct device use, and observation of complications associated with airway management need to be developed to support a newborn's healthy transition at birth.

Association of Standardized Tracheostomy Care Protocol Implementation and Reinforcement With the Prevention of Life-Threatening Respiratory Events.

IMPORTANCE: Mucus plugging after tracheostomy is a preventable cause of respiratory distress. Implementation of standardized tracheostomy care guidelines may reduce the occurrence of fatal respiratory compromise. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of implementing and reinforcing a standardized tracheostomy care protocol on the occurrence of acute life-threatening respiratory events. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective cohort study of adult patients who received a tracheostomy between May 2014 and August 2016 at a tertiary care center. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Patient demographics, tracheostomy indication, rapid response for mucus plugging and other acute events, duration of hospital stay, and levels of care that the patients received were recorded through examination of clinical logs. Statistical analysis was conducted between patients before protocol implementation and patients after protocol implementation in terms of rapid-response use, and intragroup comparison of the mean length of stay in various hospital units was also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 247 patients (89 women [36%]; mean [SD] age, 58.5 [12.3] years), 117 preprotocol and 130 postprotocol, met inclusion criteria. Of the 130 patients in the postprotocol cohort, 123 (93%) were on the new tracheostomy care protocol. Preprotocol rapid-response rate was 21 of 117 patients (17.9%) and postprotocol response rate was 12 of 130 patients (9.2%) for a difference of 8.7% (95% CI, 0.2%-18.0%). In terms of mucus plugging, preprotocol rate was 8 of 117 patients (6.8%) and the postprotocol rate was 1 of 130 patients (0.8%) for a difference of 6.0% (95% CI, 1.3%-12.2%). Intragroup difference of the mean time spent (days) in various care units between patients in the no rapid-response group vs rapid-response group demonstrated clinically meaningful longer stay for rapid responses in both preprotocol and postprotocol groups for the intensive care unit (preprotocol, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.03-3.03 vs postprotocol, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.49-4.45) and step down units (preprotocol, 1.40; 95% CI, 0.77-2.02 vs postprotocol, 2.11; 95% CI, 0.78 to 3.44). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Implementation and reinforcement of a standardized tracheostomy care protocol was associated with a reduction in the occurrences of rapid-response calls for life-threatening mucus plugging and is recommended for clinical practice. In addition, length of stay in the intensive care unit and intermediate surgical care unit was increased in a clinically meaningful way for patients who experienced a rapid-response event.

Reliability and criterion-related validity testing (construct) of the Endotracheal Suction Assessment Tool (ESAT©).

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To establish criterion-related construct validity and test-retest reliability for the Endotracheal Suction Assessment Tool© (ESAT©). BACKGROUND: Endotracheal tube suction performed in children can significantly affect clinical stability. Previously identified clinical indicators for endotracheal tube suction were used as criteria when designing the ESAT©. Content validity was reported previously. The final stages of psychometric testing are presented. DESIGN: Observational testing was used to measure construct validity and determine whether the ESAT© could guide "inexperienced" paediatric intensive care nurses' decision-making regarding endotracheal tube suction. Test-retest reliability of the ESAT© was performed at two time points. METHODS: The researchers and paediatric intensive care nurse "experts" developed 10 hypothetical clinical scenarios with predetermined endotracheal tube suction outcomes. "Experienced" (n = 12) and "inexperienced" (n = 14) paediatric intensive care nurses were presented with the scenarios and the ESAT© guiding decision-making about whether to perform endotracheal tube suction for each scenario. Outcomes were compared with those predetermined by the "experts" (n = 9). Test-retest reliability of the ESAT© was measured at two consecutive time points (4 weeks apart) with "experienced" and "inexperienced" paediatric intensive care nurses using the same scenarios and tool to guide decision-making. RESULTS: No differences were observed between endotracheal tube suction decisions made by "experts" (n = 9), "inexperienced" (n = 14) and "experienced" (n = 12) nurses confirming the tool's construct validity. No differences were observed between groups for endotracheal tube suction decisions at T1 and T2. CONCLUSION: Criterion-related construct validity and test-retest reliability of the ESAT© were demonstrated. Further testing is recommended to confirm reliability in the clinical setting with the "inexperienced" nurse to guide decision-making related to endotracheal tube suction. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The ESAT© is the first validated tool to systematically guide endotracheal nursing practice for the "inexperienced" nurse.

New strategy of closed suction drainage after primary total hip arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of late applied negative pressure on postoperative drain output after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 100 patients (100 hips) were treated by closed suction drainage applying negative pressure immediately after THA (group I). The remaining 100 patients (100 hips) were treated by the same drainage system, but the negative pressure was not applied in the first 24 h after THA and then negative pressure was applied (group II). RESULTS: The mean total drain output was different between the two groups (group I: 597 ± 200.1 mL, group II: 403 ± 204.1 mL; p < 0.05). Reported drain output from immediate postoperative to postoperative day one was 369 ± 125.5 ml in group I and 221 ± 141.3 ml in group II (p < 0.05). The change of hemoglobin from immediate postoperative to 24 h after THA was lower in group II (group I: 1.5 ± 0.62 g/dL, group II: 1.1 ± 0.73 g/dL; p = 0.004). The mean unit number of blood transfusions was 1.0 (range, 0.0-5.0) in group I and 0.3 (range, 0.0-2.0) in group II (p < 0.05). There was no difference in Harris hip score between the two groups at postoperative 1 year or last follow-up (p = 0.073). CONCLUSION: The minor change in drain system management can reduce postoperative blood loss after primary THA and the need for transfusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic study.

Comparing the Effectiveness of a Novel Suction Set-up Using an Adult Endotracheal Tube Connected to a Meconium Aspirator vs. a Traditional Yankauer Suction Instrument.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that an adult 8.0 endotracheal tube (ETT) connected to a neonatal meconium aspirator would improve suctioning during emergent endotracheal intubation compared to the Yankauer suction instrument, the standard tool used by emergency physicians. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of a Yankauer vs. an ETT-meconium aspirator set-up in suctioning liquids of different viscosities. METHODS: The Yankauer and ETT-meconium aspirator device underwent a head-to-head timed comparison, suctioning 250 mL of three different fluids, varying in viscosity. The first comparison test used tap water to represent simple oral secretions. The second comparison test used porcine whole blood as a proxy for human blood. The third comparison test used a coarsely blended mixture of a hamburger, French fries, and a soda to simulate emesis from a recently ingested meal. Five separate time trials were conducted for each liquid and for each suction device. RESULTS: The ETT-meconium aspirator device compared to the Yankauer suctioned faster in both the water comparison test (mean = 2.6 s vs. 3.4 s; p < 0.001) and the porcine whole blood comparison test (mean = 2.9 s vs. 4.3 s; p = 0.0015). In the emesis trial, the Yankauer immediately clogged, whereas the ETT-meconium aspirator apparatus managed to suction an average of 90 mL prior to clogging. CONCLUSION: Compared to the Yankauer, an adult 8.0 ETT connected to a meconium aspirator was superior in suctioning liquids of varying viscosities and should be considered when encountering a difficult airway due to copious secretions, blood, or emesis.

Knowledge and practice of intensive care nurses for endotracheal suctioning in a teaching hospital in western Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine intensive care nurses' knowledge and practice levels regarding open system endotracheal suctioning and to investigate if there is a relationship between nurses' demographic characteristics and their knowledge and practice. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY/DESIGN: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional and non-participant structured observational design. Data were collected using a 45-item structured and self-administered questionnaire and a 31-item observational checklist. The study sample included 72 nurses. SETTING: Three adult intensive care units in a teaching hospital. RESULTS: The nurses' mean scores of knowledge and practice were 23.79±3.83 and 12.88±2.53. Their level of knowledge was very good in 59.7%, good in 34.7%, and the level of practice was fair in 79.2% and good in 18.1%. The relationship between the type of unit and the nurses' knowledge scores was statistically significant (p=0.013). The correlation between the nurses' scores of knowledge and practice was not statistically significant (r=0.220; p=0.063). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the knowledge level of most of the nurses was good and their practice level was fair. Intensive care nurses must perform suctioning procedures safely and effectively to ensure delivery of quality of care and eliminate complications.

Applying Adult Ventilator-associated Pneumonia Bundle Evidence to the Ventilated Neonate.

BACKGROUND: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in neonates can be reduced by implementing preventive care practices. Implementation of a group, or bundle, of evidence-based practices that improve processes of care has been shown to be cost-effective and to have better outcomes than implementation of individual single practices. PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to describe a safe, effective, and efficient neonatal VAP prevention protocol developed for caregivers in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Improved understanding of VAP causes, effects of care practices, and rationale for interventions can help reduce VAP risk to neonatal patients. METHOD: In order to improve care practices to affect VAP rates, initial and annual education occurred on improved protocol components after surveying staff practices and auditing documentation compliance. FINDINGS/RESULTS: In 2009, a tertiary care level III NICU in the Midwestern United States had 14 VAP cases. Lacking evidence-based VAP prevention practices for neonates, effective adult strategies were modified to meet the complex needs of the ventilated neonate. A protocol was developed over time and resulted in an annual decrease in VAP until rates were zero for 20 consecutive months from October 2012 to May 2014. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This article describes a VAP prevention protocol developed to address care practices surrounding hand hygiene, intubation, feeding, suctioning, positioning, oral care, and respiratory equipment in the NICU. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Implementation of this VAP prevention protocol in other facilities with appropriate monitoring and tracking would provide broader support for standardization of care. Individual components of this VAP protocol could be studied to strengthen the inclusion of each; however, bundled interventions are often considered stronger when implemented as a whole.

How to perform open tracheal suction via an endotracheal tube.

Rationale and key points Tracheal suction involves the removal of pulmonary secretions from the respiratory tract using negative pressure under sterile conditions. Practitioners should be aware of the indications for, and risks associated with, open tracheal suction via an endotracheal tube. ▶ Respiratory assessment of the patient should be carried out to identify when tracheal suction is required. ▶ A suction pressure of 80-120mmHg is recommended, and suction should last no longer than 15 seconds. ▶ Reassurance and support should be given to the patient to minimise any discomfort and distress that might result from tracheal suction. Reflective activity Clinical skills articles can help update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: 1. How you think this article will change your practice when performing open tracheal suction via an endotracheal tube. 2. How you could use this resource to educate your colleagues. Subscribers can upload their reflective accounts at: rcni.com/portfolio .

[Thrombus aspiration in patients with acute myocardial infarction : Scientific evidence and guideline recommendations]. / Thrombusaspiration bei Patienten mit akutem Myokardinfarkt : Wissenschaftliche Evidenz und Empfehlungen in den Leitlinien.

Recent advances in percutaneous coronary intervention and antiplatelet therapy as well as faster door-to-balloon times have markedly improved the therapy of patients with acute myocardial infarction. However, impaired myocardial perfusion despite revascularization of the infarcted vessel remains an ongoing problem with high prognostic relevance. In initial clinical trials thrombus aspiration in addition to conventional percutaneous coronary intervention demonstrated benefits regarding coronary flow and myocardial perfusion and was therefore recommended in practice guidelines. These improvements in surrogate endpoints did not translate into a favorable clinical outcome in recent large-scale multicenter randomized trials investigating the routine use of thrombus aspiration in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Furthermore, an increased risk of stroke after thrombus aspiration raises safety concerns. Therefore, thrombus aspiration has been downgraded in the recent guideline updates. The current article reviews the evidence from clinical trials and the recommendations in practice guidelines regarding thrombus aspiration in acute myocardial infarction.

Endotracheal suctioning in intubated newborns: an integrative literature review.

Evidence-based practices search for the best available scientific evidence to support problem solving and decision making. Because of the complexity and amount of information related to health care, the results of methodologically sound scientific papers must be integrated by performing literature reviews. Although endotracheal suctioning is the most frequently performed invasive procedure in intubated newborns in neonatal intensive care units, few Brazilian studies of good methodological quality have examined this practice, and a national consensus or standardization of this technique is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to review secondary studies on the subject to establish recommendations for endotracheal suctioning in intubated newborns and promote the adoption of best-practice concepts when conducting this procedure. An integrative literature review was performed, and the recommendations of this study are to only perform endotracheal suctioning in newborns when there are signs of tracheal secretions and to avoid routinely performing the procedure. In addition, endotracheal suctioning should be conducted by at least two people, the suctioning time should be less than 15 seconds, the negative suction pressure should be below 100 mmHg, and hyperoxygenation should not be used on a routine basis. If indicated, oxygenation is recommended with an inspired oxygen fraction value that is 10 to 20% greater than the value of the previous fraction, and it should be performed 30 to 60 seconds before, during and 1 minute after the procedure. Saline instillation should not be performed routinely, and the standards for invasive procedures must be respected.