Endotracheal Suctionning During Positive Pressure Extubation in ICU

We will remove the intubation tube with endotracheal suctioning during the extubation procedure and maintain positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) and pressure support. The PEEP level will be 10 cmH2O and the pressure support 7 cmH2O for 2 minutes prior to extubation. The vacuum level will be the maximum level (standard procedure in the unit), i.e. 450 mmHg. The closed-system suction probe is inserted up to the last mark corresponding to 40cm. The size of our closed system is identical for all patients, i.e. 14 french.

In the control group, removal of the intubation tube during the extubation procedure is performed with PEEP maintained, without endotracheal suctioning. The PEEP level will be set at 10 cmH2O and the pressure at 7 cmH2O in the 2 minutes prior to extubation.