Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections in the United States. This illness is thought to result primarily from the presence of an endotracheal tube between the mouth and lungs, which impairs natural defense mechanisms such as the cough reflex and swallowing. As a result, secretions can accumulate in the subglottic space, which lies just below the vocal cords. Bacteria and fungi can become established and grow in these secretions; they can then be accidentally inhaled into the lungs, giving them an opportunity to cause pneumonia. The incidence of VAP varies from 1 to 15 cases per 1000 days of ventilator use, depending on the population studied. In addition, the risk of death may exceed 10% in patients who develop VAP.