Evaluation of selective bronchial suctioning in the adult.

In the present study, the highest success rate in suctioning of the left main bronchus was achieved when curved-tip catheters of both Portex (40%) (Portex Limited, Hythe, Kent, England) and Rüsch (50%) (Willy Rüsch Gmph & Co. KG, West-Germany) were inserted with the patient's head in the midline position. The second most successful rate in reaching the left main stem bronchus occurred when the head was turned to the right using straight catheters of both Portex (31%) and Rüsch (29%). The third but lesser success rate in suctioning the left main stem bronchus was achieved with the head turned to the right, using curved-tip catheters of both Portex (25%) and Rüsch (23%). the lowest success rate in suctioning the left main stem bronchus was with the head in the midline position using straight catheters of both Portex (19%) and Rüsch (15%). The possible factors which influence success or failure to introducing suction catheters into the bronchi selectively were discussed.