Application of active subglottic airway humidification in intermittent subglottic secretion drainage in patients with tracheostomy: a randomized controlled trial

Active subglottic airway humidification prior to IASS significantly reduces the positive rate of occult blood (OB) tests, the incidence of drainage catheter blockage, and secretion viscosity, with the exception of the incidence of VAP. It also stabilizes cuff pressure with minimal fluctuation. Although the intervention is associated with a decrease in exhaled tidal volume, it has no significant impact on pulse oxygen saturation or end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure.