Selective placement of bronchial suction catheters in intubated neonates.

Abstract

Flexible suction catheters were passed through the endotracheal tubes of infants undergoing mechanical ventilation, just before chest radiographic examination for clinical purposes. With the head straight, 7 of 10 straight catheters entered the right main bronchus but with the head turned, 17 of 20 straight catheters and 19 of 20 curved tip catheters entered the contralateral bronchus.