Resp Care
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Tracheal secretion management in the mechanically ventilated patient: comparison of standard assessment and an acoustic secretion detector.
Standard indications for endotracheal suctioning are often based on clinical judgment on the deterioration of the patient's condition, and/or routine suctioning. TBA Care is a secretion detector that analyses airway sounds and indicates the need for suctioning. ⋯ TBA Care seems to give valid and timely indications for suctioning, anticipating clinical deterioration due to secretion retention and reducing unnecessary suctionings. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT00932776.).