Summary
Excess secretions were the sole identified impediment to weaning in 5/25 patients on 26/190 ventilator daysPatients in whom excess secretions were the sole impediment to weaning at any time during their intubation were more likely to Remain intubated longer (median 8.7 days compared to 2.8 days)Remain longer in the ICU (median 16.7 days compared to 4.7 days)Require multiple intubations (4/5 patients compared to 3/20 patients)No patient who required suctioning more frequently than every 2 hours was successfully extubated within the next 24 hours