摘要 |
An intermittent, large-volume lavage/suctioning scheme is provided. A lavage solution is first applied into the subglottic cavity, in sufficient volume to mechanically dislodge and wash-out pooled contaminated solid materials from the oro-pharyngeal spaces, the naso-pharyngeal spaces and the sinuses adjunct to the intra-nasal cavities. The dislodged contaminated solid materials are removed with large bore suctioning tools suited for atraumatic, deep naso-pharyngeal and oro-pharyngeal insertion. After the suctioning procedure has been performed, a space filling gel seal that is composed of a self-degrading physiologic substance can be installed within the subglottic space and subsequently washed out into the pharynx with the next lavage procedure. The lavage/suctioning scheme largely reduces or eliminates a bacteria colonization pattern where VAP causing pathogens have been. |