Functional residual capacity changes after different endotracheal suctioning methods

BACKGROUND: Our primary objective was to investigate the effects of three different endotracheal suctioning procedures on functional residual capacity (FRC). METHODS: Using a crossover design, postoperative cardiac surgery patients (n = 20) received three different suctioning methods in randomized order: closed suctioning during pressure-controlled ventilation, closed suctioning during volume-controlled ventilation, and open suctioning. FRC was measured before and 20 min after the intervention. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: FRC is reduced in postcardiac surgery patients after suctioning, regardless of which method is used. Certain patients may have very pronounced changes of FRC. Routine FRC measurements could complement respiratory monitoring to optimize respiratory therapy.