ICU Cases · Equipment & physics
Long case — rising airway pressure on a heated humidifier
A long case on humidification physics — inlet-chamber temperature, inadequate humidity and tube occlusion — with AARC targets, device-outcome evidence and suctioning.
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Prompt
A long case on humidification physics — inlet-chamber temperature, inadequate humidity and tube occlusion — with AARC targets, device-outcome evidence and suctioning.
Presentation
A patient ventilated for several days on a heated-wire humidifier develops rising airway pressures and difficulty passing a suction catheter. The unit is unusually warm.[1]
References6ShowHide
- [1]Lellouche F, Taillé S, Maggiore SM, et al. Influence of ambient and ventilator output temperatures on performance of heated-wire humidifiers. American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine, 2004.PMID 15271695
- [2]American Association for Respiratory Care, Restrepo RD, Walsh BK Humidification during invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation: 2012. Respiratory care, 2012.PMID 22546299
- [3]Lacherade JC, Auburtin M, Cerf C, et al. Impact of humidification systems on ventilator-associated pneumonia: a randomized multicenter trial. American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine, 2005.PMID 16126933
- [4]Siempos II, Vardakas KZ, Kopterides P, et al. Impact of passive humidification on clinical outcomes of mechanically ventilated patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Critical care medicine, 2007.PMID 18074484
- [5]Branson RD Secretion management in the mechanically ventilated patient. Respiratory care, 2007.PMID 17894902
- [6]American Association for Respiratory Care AARC Clinical Practice Guidelines. Endotracheal suctioning of mechanically ventilated patients with artificial airways 2010. Respiratory care, 2010.PMID 20507660