Abstract
BackgroundMaintaining optimal intracuff pressure of the endotracheal tube is important during airway management. Rotation of the head can affect the cuff pressure of the endotracheal tube. We investigated the change in cuff pressure and the degree of tube displacement according to the direction of head rotation (toward the same side vs opposite side of tube fixation) using a TaperGuard endotracheal tube.MethodsWe conducted a prospective study in 58 patients, aged 18 to 70 years, who underwent tympanomastoidectomy under general anesthesia. TaperGuard endotracheal tube was secured at the corner of the mouth, either on the same side as that of the head rotation (Group S, n = 29) or on the opposite side (Group O, n = 29). After endotracheal intubation, the endotracheal tube cuff pressure was set at 22 cmH2O in the neutral position of the head. The cuff pressure was measured again after lateral rotation of the head and readjusted to 22 cmH2O. In addition, the change in distance from the carina to the tip of the endotracheal tube was measured before and after the change in position. The incidences of cough, sore throat, and hoarseness were assessed at 30 minutes, 6 hours, and 24 hours after surgery.ResultsThere were no differences between groups in terms of patient characteristics and duration of anesthesia. The change in cuff pressure after head rotation in Group S (8.07 ± 1.07 cmH2O) was greater than that in Group O (2.24 ± 0.95 cmH2O) (P < .001). In addition, 21 (72.4%) patients in Group S and no patient in Group O had pressures above 30 cmH2O (P < .001). Furthermore, the tube tip moved away from the carina by 8.55 ± 7.01 mm in Group S and by 2.83 ± 4.72 mm in Group O (P < .001).ConclusionFixation of the TaperGuard endotracheal tube on the side contralateral to head rotation was associated with a smaller intracuff pressure increase and lesser tube displacement compared to fixation of the tube on the ipsilateral side.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
