Respiratory Guard System: New Technology

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a hazardous complication associated with high mortality and morbidity. We studied the AnapnoGuard system, an innovative respiratory guard system that continuously monitors and controls the endotracheal tube’s cuff pressure. The optimal cuff pressure was determined by measurements of CO₂ levels above the cuff, it was set as the minimal pressure needed to prevent CO₂ leakage from the lungs to the oropharynx.

Materials and Methods: The study objectives were to verify the effectiveness of the system in continuously controlling endotracheal cuff pressure by monitoring of CO₂ concentration in the subglottic space as well as efficient control of endotracheal cuff pressure within the safety accepted range (24-40 cmH₂O)

The study population included 50 cardiac postoperative patients, which were Randomization into 2 groups of 25 patients each.

The cuff pressure in the study group was automatically controlled by the system in contrast to manual follow-up of the pressure by the heath care personnel in the control group. The volume of subglottic secretions was measured in both groups

Results: The measured area under the curve of CO2 leaks/hour was 3 times higher in the control group (n=20) than in the study group (n=21).

The mean percentage of cuff pressure measurements within the safety range (24-40 mmH₂O) was approximately 3 times higher in study group compared to the control group (99.6% vs 35.1%)

The average amount of secretions evacuated was 1.8 times higher in the study group than in the control group (105 ml/day vs 59 ml/day).

Conclusions: Using the AnapnoGuard system may be beneficial to patients short after cardiac surgery. The continuous control of the cuff pressure might prevent leaks of secretions into the pulmonary tree thus reducing the risk of developing ventilator associated pneumonia