Antimicrobial-coated endotracheal tubes: A narrative review
Authors' conclusion
Many antimicrobial materials have undergone in vitro appraisal as potential ETT coatings to reduce VAP incidence, but only silver has been extensively tested in RCTs.
Study context
- Population
- ICU patients58 studies
- Comparison
- Antimicrobial-coated endotracheal tubes (ETTs) to reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
- Outcome
- Silver-based coatings (15 studies, incl. 3 RCTs and 2 systematic reviews)
Methodological detailsPRISMA-ScR guidelines
- PRISMA-ScR guidelines
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Studies demonstrating reduced bacterial colonization (of 15)
- 12
- Studies demonstrating delay of VAP onset
- 2
- Studies demonstrating reduced VAP incidence
- 3
- Study determining decreased mortality
- 1
- Studies finding no statistically significant difference in overall mortality, hospital stay
- 3
Further findings
Other coatings and novel surface modifications
- Coatings of noble metal alloy, zinc, selenium, antibiotics, biocides, biomimetics also explored
- Nano-roughening, micro-patterning, photodynamic agents showed promise in preventing biofilm formation; clinical validation limited
Original publication
Antimicrobial-coated endotracheal tubes: A narrative review. J Crit Care. Published 18 August 2025. doi:10.
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