Studying the Optimal Air Volume Needed for Inflating the Cuff of an Endotrecheal Tube: A Clinical Observational Study

Abstract

Abstract: An endotracheal tube (ETT) is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flexible plastic tube, this tube is placed into the trachea through the mouth or nose. During the course of general anaesthesia or when a patient is unable to breath by him / herself the endotracheal tube is placed for the maintenance of breathing when it is necessary to sedate the patient, and airway protection is thus lost. Endotracheal tube is used for the protection of airway from any foreign body so that air can pass into and out of the lungs by which it can maintain the airway. This tube needs a special consideration with regards to cuff inflation for creating a seal in between trachea and endotracheal tube for preventing chances of aspiration and leakage of air. Therefore, we are conducting this study to find the optimal air volume needed to inflate the cuff of ETT and minimise the complications associated with over and underinflation of cuff. The conclusion of our study shows that There was a tendency to overinflate the ETT cuff, resulting in high intracuff pressure. The estimated optimal air volume needed for inflating the ETT cuff was about 6.05 ml for men and 5.45 ml for women.