THE EFFECTS OF RIB CAGE COMPRESSION ON SPO2

Accumulation of secretions in airways is a serious complication in intubated
and mechanically ventilated patients. Tracheal suctioning which is done with the aim of the secretion
removal, can be used in conjunction with physiotherapy effectively. Therefore this study was carried
out to determine the effects of expiratory rib cage compression before suctioning on arterial oxygen
saturation in mechanical ventilated patients.
Materials & Methods: Fifty intubated, mechanically ventilated patients were studied in a crossover
trial. The patients received endotracheal suctioning with or without rib-cage compression, with a
minimum of 3-hour interval between the 2 interventions.
The technique was performed ten times on each patient, with three respiratory cycle intervals between
each application. Oxygen saturation were measured before, 5 and 25 minute after rib cage
compression, as well as after endotracheal aspiration. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and
Greenhouse Geisser and Sphericity.
Results: There were no significant differences in the ratio of oxygen saturation between the 2 periods
(before and after endotracheal suctioning) (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Due to the lack of significant differences in oxygen saturation suction method with and
without chest compressions, further research is needed in this area