The LoTrachsystem: its role in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the leading nosocomial cause of mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU). It also has substantial cost implications, extending ICU length of stay by at least 6 days and costs by up to £12 000 per patient episode (Safdar et al., 2005; Anderson et al., 2007). Aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions is an independent risk factor for VAP (Metheny et al., 2006) and is recognized as being a major cause of the acquisition of nosocomial infection in the ICU (d’Escrivan and Guery, 2005; Craven, 2006).
