• Helps decrease the rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the hospital • Shown to delay the early onset of VAP. (Valles J, Artigas A, Rello J, et al: Continuous aspiration of subglottic secretions in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia. Ann Intern Med 1995; 122: 179-186. Mahul P, Auboyer C, Jospe R, et al: Prevention of nosocomial pneumonia in intubated patients: respective role of mechanical subglottic secretions drainage and stress ulcer prophylaxis. Intesive Care Med 1992; 18: 20-25. ) • Potential to reduce hospital-related costs associated with development of VAP • Convenient and safe method for suctioning accumulated secretions in the subglottic space • Large elliptical evacuation port located on dorsal side proximal to cuff provides effective evacuation • Integral suction lumen allows continuous suctioning without risking trauma to the vocal cords as with manual catheter suctioning