Improving outcome for the injured brain and spinal cord

Endotracheal Lidocaine in Preventing Endotracheal Suctioning-induced Changes in Cerebral Hemodynamics in Patients with Severe Head Trauma

“…The dose at which endotracheally instilled lidocaine prevents endotracheal suctioning-induced ICP increase to ‡20 mmHg during endotracheal suctioning in 50% of the patients (ED 50 ) was determined using Dixon's up-anddown method [2,20]. Each patient was tested once, the study continued until lidocaine failed to prevent the endotracheal suctioning-induced ICP increase to ‡20 mmHg in 20 patients (crossovers).…”

“…The primary goals in managing severe head trauma are to prevent cerebral ischemia and acute intracranial hypertension [1][2][3]. Endotracheal suctioning is a nursing procedure that needs to be frequently repeated in intubated and mechanically ventilated patients to optimize gas exchange in the lungs and to minimize the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia [4].…”