Mechanical ventilation is the continuation of respiratory function from outside by means of special devices until adequate oxygenation is provided by the patient's own respiratory functions in patients whose oxygenation is not sufficient for any reason. Today, mechanical ventilation is used for various purposes in different environments such as the operating room, intensive care, emergency room and home. Mechanical ventilation support is provided to patients with respiratory distress with a medical device called an endotracheal tube (ET) inserted through the mouth or nose. Endotracheal intubation is the most common access route for invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) in critical care areas such as the intensive care unit. Laryngeal trauma, bronchospasm, hypotension, hypoxemia, airway perforation, and vertebral trauma during endotracheal intubation. many potential complications such as colon injury can be seen. As in the intensive care unit, as the tube insertion time increases, it becomes very important to fix the tube so that it does not dislodge. One of the most important and most common complications after ET placement is unplanned extubation. Correct tube detection is the best way to prevent unplanned extubation. In current clinical practice, there are several methods for securing ETs, including adhesive or cloth tapes and endotracheal tube attachment devices. Although there are many types of endotracheal tube holders today, the use of bandages or tapes remains the most commonly used method. Poor detection of ET may lead to misalignment, slippage, trauma to the airways, or accidental extubation. Excessive pressure of ET detection on facial tissue may cause permanent skin and mucosal damage. Different endotracheal tube fixation techniques used have different advantages and complications. Skin injury and allergy due to adhesive tapes, which are frequently used in the detection of ET, are complications that can be seen in every patient and age group.
There are studies in the literature showing that endotracheal tube fixation methods may increase the risk of infection in relation to the material from which they are produced. In the literature review, it is stated that as a result of the contamination of the adhesive tape with oral secretions in the detection of ET, it prepares an environment for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms and increases the risk of infection. ET adhesive tapes cover the mouth in a way that makes oral hygiene difficult due to its wide width. From time to time, the sticky part is left open, which creates an environment prone to infection as a result of the adhesion of unwanted substances such as infection and hair. The evidence is that pathogens are present on existing adhesive tape, and many researchers have found that the adhesive tape is contaminated outside of its original packaging. On the other hand, cotton tapes when tied horizontally (traditionally) cause increased secretions to be absorbed and may therefore harbor infection.
There are currently 3 tube fixation materials in of researches hospital. The first of these is fixation with a sticking tape, the second is fixation with gauze, and the third is commercial cotton tube ties. The sticking tape is not preferred for long-term tube fixation, since its stickiness is lost by getting wet due to the secretion in the mouth of the patients in the intensive care unit. Fixation with gauze is more time consuming in terms of use and requires the use of a cutting tool such as a scalpel to cut the lace, and it is not preferred because it may cause damage and injuries to the tube. Commercial fastening ties, which are easier to use but have adhesive tape at the contact point with the tube, are used in the institution. The pathogen harboring risk that applies to adhesive tapes may also apply to these fixing materials. In addition, as the cares get dirty, the tube fixation material is changed by the nurses and oral care is provided. Each time the fixings are opened, some adhesive tape remains on the tube and a rough surface forms on the tube over time. It is known that pathogen hosting rates are high on rough floors. Choosing the appropriate fixation material in terms of patient safety and performing their care correctly are among the important responsibilities of the intensive care nurse. This study was planned to compare the pathogen harboring rates of endotracheal tube fixation tie and gauze fixation, which are tube fixation materials.
