Selective placement of bronchial suction catheters in intubated full term and premature neonates.

Flexible straight suction catheters were passed through nasal endotracheal tubes in 30 newborn infants (gestation age 26-42 weeks; birth weight 800-4,100 g) undergoing mechanical ventilation just before chest radiographic examination for clinical purpose. With the head in midline position, 63% (19/30) and 37% (11/30) of the catheters, entered the right and left main bronchus, respectively. With the head turning to either the left or right side, 87% (26/30) and 73% (22/30) of the catheters, entered the contralateral bronchus, respectively. Both success rates increased significantly (p less than 0.05 and p less than 0.01). Thus, turning the head facilitates passage of the cather into the contralateral mainstem bronchus in full term and premature neonates.