M-I/E for Preventing VAP in Post-neurosurgical Patients

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common infection in critically ill patients, especially those with acute brain injuries, leading to increased mortality and longer ICU stays. The mechanical insufflation/exsufflation (M-I/E) cough assist device improves outcomes in patients with neuromuscular disorders but its effects on brain-injured patients are largely unknown. This study is conducted at a tertiary neurosurgical medical center and consists of two substudies. The prospective physiological study assessed the impact of M-I/E on hemodynamics and ICP in mechanically ventilated neurosurgical patients. The combined retrospective-prospective clinical study was performed to investigate the efficacy of M-I/E on occurence of VAP and other clinical outcomes.