Survey on the extubation procedure in intensive care units in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Objective: To examine the usual practice of airway management during the extubation procedure through an online survey to professionals working in intensive care units in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and in the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study online survey was conducted from February 11 to March 11, 2013. A database was generated, and a voluntary and anonymous invitation to access the survey was sent by email to 500 participants.

Effect of applying positive pressure with or without endotracheal suctioning during extubation: a laboratory study.

Background: During invasive mechanical ventilation, secretions accumulate in the subglottic space; consequently, there is a risk of aspiration of these secretions into the airway during cuff deflation and extubation. To minimize this risk, 2 extubation methods are used. The first consists of introducing a suction catheter into the endotracheal tube (ETT) and the trachea.