Evaluation of the CleanSweep™ Closed Suction System on Length of Mechanical Ventilation and Ventilator-Associated Events

This is designed as a prospective, randomized control trial, in a large, urban, academic
medical center. This study will include mechanically ventilated patients (n = 272) in the
medical intensive care unit (MICU) at Rush University Medical Center. It will exclude
patients with a tracheostomy on admission, those requiring extracorporeal membrane
oxygenation (ECMO), or transferred from an outside facility receiving more than 24 hours of
mechanical ventilation. Two groups will be randomly assigned via computer randomization. The
experimental group will be placed on the CleanSweep™ Closed Suction System immediately after
intubation or upon arrival to the MICU. Endotracheal tubes (ETTs) will be cleaned with the
balloon sweeping technology every time a respiratory therapist suctions the patient. The
control group will be placed on the standard in-line suction device. Airway suctioning will
be performed in both groups as per department policy (Catheter advanced until resistance is
met and withdrawn slowly for a duration no longer than 15 seconds while applying negative
pressure). Both groups will also receive a ventilator bundle that consists of head of bed
elevation, ETT cuff pressure management, deep vein thrombosis prevention, daily sedation
interruption and SBT, and oral care every 4 hours with chlorhexidine at 12pm (noon) and 12am
midnight.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Orally intubated patient with endotracheal tube

- Mechanically ventilated less than 24 hours prior to enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

- Less than 18 years old

- Tracheostomy tube

- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

- Transfer from outside hospital with more than 24 hours of mechanical ventilation