Effect of endotracheal tube with subglottic suction line to stop tracheostomy bleeding in critical patients

Objective To observe the effect of endotracheal tube with subglottic suction line on tracheostomy bleeding in critical patients. Methods This procedure was utilized for 35 critical patients with tracheostomy bleeding. With the help of bronchoscope, the endotracheal tube with subglottic suction line was inserted during tracheostomy to 0.5-1.0 cm above the carina. Then aerocyst of the tube was inflated, vacuum was set up for continuous suction via suction port, and hemocoagulase was injected to the opening of tracheostomy. The airway hemorrhage and treatment results were recorded. Results Tracheostomy bleeding in 33 patients (94.29%) were stopped. The bleeding time ranged from 6 to 48 hours with an average of (24.5±4.1) hours. The tube was in place for 2-10 days with a medium of 4 days. Conclusions Using endotracheal tube with subglottic suction line for critical patients with tracheostomy bleeding is very effective. This procedure is also very simple and fast, and is best suitable for patient with heavy bleeding in tracheostomy. Key words: Tracheotomy; Trachea hemorrhage; Endotracheal tube