Endotracheal Cuff Pressure Research Articles

Effect of Adjusted Cuff Pressure of Endotracheal Tube During Thyroidectomy on Postoperative Airway Complications: Prospective, Randomized, and Controlled Trial

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common complaint after general anesthesia, especially following thyroidectomy. We examined the effect of adjusting the endotracheal tube cuff pressure during thyroidectomy on the incidence of airway complications. Ninety patients scheduled for elective thyroidectomy were randomized into two groups: control (group A, n=45) and experimental (group B, n=45). All patients underwent total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil. In group A, the cuff pressure was set to 25cmH2O initially and then monitored continuously without adjustment during thyroidectomy. In group B, the cuff pressure was maintained at approximately 25cmH2O throughout the operation. The incidences and the severity of POST, hoarseness, dysphagia, and cough were recorded at 2 and 24h postoperatively. Cuff pressures in group A changed significantly over time (P<0.05) and were higher than those of group B during thyroidectomy (P<0.05). The incidences of POST were lower in group B than in group A at 2 and 24h postoperatively (P<0.05), and there was a significant difference in the severity of POST at 2h postoperatively between the two groups. There were no differences in the incidences of hoarseness, dysphagia, and cough between the two study groups (P>0.05). Adjusting the endotracheal cuff pressure during thyroidectomy decreased the incidence and degree of POST. Intraoperative monitoring and adjustment of the cuff pressure can reduce POST in patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

Endotracheal Cuff Pressures Generated by Different Members of the Anaesthesia Services in a Ghanaian Teaching Hospital

Background: The main function of the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff is to ensure a tight seal between the tracheal wall and the endotracheal tube to prevent stomach contents from entering the trachea during ventilation thus preventing aspiration. Whereas excessive inflation of the cuff is associated with complications as a result of impaired blood supply to the trachea mucosa, low inflation pressure puts the patient at risk of aspiration. This study sought to find the accuracy of correctly estimating the cuff pressure and whether experience has effect on the accuracy. Methods: After approval from the Ethics Committee, we observed 199 patients who had general anaesthesia and had been intubated at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital,KumasiGhana. Anaesthesia practitioners were blinded to the study. The endotracheal cuff pressure was measured using a low pressure manometer. The experience of the Anaesthetist was also noted. Results: Only 26% of the cuff pressures measured were within the acceptable range of 20-30 cm H2O. 4.5% of the pressures measured were below the acceptable minimum value of20 cm H2O hence exposing the patient to the risk of aspiration. 68% of the cuff pressures measured were above the maximum pressure of30 cm H2O. Physician anaesthetists were likely to inflate the cuff correctly. They had average inflation pressures of24 cm H2O with minimum and maximum inflation pressures of15 cm H2O and32 cm H2O respectively. Resident physician anaesthetists inflate the endotracheal pressures moderately high, an average of41.64 cm H2O. Nurse anaesthetists and student nurse anaesthetists had a tendency to overinflate the endotracheal cuff above the recommended range of 20-30 cm H2O. Their mean inflating pressures were 64.7 and 68.54 respectively. Conclusion: ETT cuff pressures measured by the low pressure aneroid manometer in patients undergoing general anaesthesia in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital are routinely high and are significantly higher when inflated by nurse anaesthetists, student nurse anaesthetists and Anaesthesia residents.

Bundle de prevenção da pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica: uma construção coletiva

Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa do tipo convergente-assistencial, que objetivou a construção coletiva de um bundle de prevenção da pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica, por profissionais de enfermagem e fisioterapia da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital público de Santa Catarina. A coleta dos dados ocorreu de maio a dezembro de 2011, por meio de entrevistas individuais e grupos de discussão, e contou com a participação de 25 e 14 profissionais, respectivamente. Para análise dos dados adotou-se o referencial de Morse e Field. A construção do bundle foi norteada pelos critérios da prática baseada em evidências e composto por quatro cuidados de prevenção: higiene oral com clorexidina 0,12%; cabeceira elevada (30-45°); pressão do cuff entre 20-30 cmH2O; e cuidados com aspiração das secreções. Acredita-se que a implementação dessas recomendações possa auxiliar a prática assistencial, contribuindo para redução das taxas de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica.

Should endotracheal cuff pressure be routinely measured during elective surgery?

Should endotracheal cuff pressure be routinely measured during elective surgery?

Endotracheal tube cuff pressure assessment maneuver induces drop of expired tidal volume in the postoperative of coronary artery bypass grafting

BackgroundPrevious investigations reported that the cuff pressure (CP) can decrease secondary to the CP evaluation itself. However is not established in literature if this loss of CP is able to generate alterations on expired tidal volume (ETV). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential consequences of the endotracheal CP assessment maneuver on CP levels and ETV in the early postoperative of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).MethodsA total of 488 patients were analyzed. After the operation, the lungs were ventilated in pressure-assist-control mode and the same ventilatory settings were adjusted for all patients. After intensive care unit arrival, the cuff was fully deflated and then progressively inflated by air injection, to promote a minimal volume to occlude the trachea. To assist the cuff inflation and the air leakage identification, the graphical monitoring of the volume-time curve was adopted. After 20 minutes a first cuff pressure evaluation was performed (P1) and a second measurement (P2) was taken after 20 minutes with an analog manometer. ETV was obtained always pre and post P1 measurement.ResultsThe CP assessment maneuver promoted a significant drop of P2 in relation to P1 when the manometer was attached to the pilot balloon (p < 0.0001). When compared the moments, pre-P1 versus post-P1, a significant drop of the ETV was also observed (p < 0.0001).ConclusionThe CP assessment maneuver promoted a significant decrease in CP values and occurrence of air leakage with reduction of ETV in the early postoperative of CABG.

Deviations in Endotracheal Cuff Pressure During Intensive Care

Deviations in Endotracheal Cuff Pressure During Intensive Care

Do High Endotracheal Cuff Pressures Lead to Failed Extubation?

PURPOSE: Critically-ill patients may require intubation and support with mechanical ventilation. Patients may fail extubation for a variety of reasons; deconditioning, poor lung compliance, altered mental status and airway trauma among others. Endotracheal tubes inserted in even the most controlled environments may traumatize the airway and lead to laryngeal edema. After intubation the cuff is inflated to recommended pressures of 20 to 30 cmH20, a pressure thought to provide sufficient seal and not compromise mucosal perfusion. There has been some thought that elevated cuff pressures may lead to laryngeal edema and subsequently extubation failure (defined as reintubation within 48 hours). The purpose of our study was to ascertain if there was a correlation between elevated endotracheal cuff pressures and failure to extubate successfully.

Changes in cuff pressure of endotracheal tube during laparoscopic and open abdominal surgery

The purpose of this study was to investigate endotracheal tube cuff pressure alteration in patients during laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery. Forty patients with ASA I-II physical status, who were scheduled for elective laparoscopic (group I) or open abdominal surgery (group II) were enrolled in the study. Tracheal intubation was always performed by an experienced anesthesiologist. The endotracheal tube cuff was inflated with air through a 10-ml syringe. The cuff was connected to a manometer. The endotracheal cuff pressure was registered every 5 min after tracheal intubation. At the time of discharge from the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and 12 h after tracheal extubation, patients were asked about their laryngotracheal condition by an independent observer who was uninformed of the patient allocation groups. We investigated laryngotracheal complaints such as sore throat, dysphasia, and hoarseness. The endotracheal cuff pressures in group I were significantly higher than those in the group II at all time points studied (P < 0.05). The endotracheal cuff pressures exceeded the critical pressure of 30 cmH(2)O after 5 min in the group I (intra-abdominal pneumoperitoneum was started). The incidence of sore throat was higher in group I than in group II in the PACU and at 12 h. This study indicates that the CO(2) pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position used during laparoscopy increase endotracheal cuff pressure and lead to discomfort in the postoperative patient. Measurement of endotracheal cuff pressure is a simple and inexpensive procedure and should be applied in patients under going laparoscopic surgery.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia management in critical illness

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a frequent adverse event in the intensive care unit.We review recent publications about the management and prevention of VAP. The latest care bundles introduced standard interventions to facilitate implementation of evidence-based clinical guidelines and to improve the outcome of patients. Recent studies find that prevention management of ventilated patients decreases the risk of VAP. Enteral feeding, considered a risk factor for VAP, currently has been recommended, with appropriate administration, for all critical ill patients if no contraindications exist. In view of the recently available data, it can be concluded that the implementation of care bundles on the general management of ventilated patients in daily practice has reduced the VAP rates. The main pharmacological measures to prevent VAP are proper hands hygiene, high nurse-to-patient ratio, avoid unnecessary transfer of ventilated patients, use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation, shortening weaning period, avoid the use of nasal intubation, prevent bio-film deposition in endotracheal tube, aspiration of subglottic secretions, maintenance of adequate pressure of endotracheal cuffs, avoid manipulation of ventilator circuits, semi-recumbent position and adequate enteral feeding.In addition, updated guidelines incorporate more comprehensive diagnostic protocols to the evidence-based management of VAP.

Endotracheal cuff pressure: role of tracheal size and cuff volume

To resolve conflicting issues of volume/pressure relationships in endotracheal (ETT) cuffs, we examined this using an animal model. Sengupta and colleagues concluded that cuff volumes were fairly consistent despite varying tracheal and ETT sizes [1]. Hoffman and colleagues concluded that the volume/pressure relationships in ETT cuffs are linear and that additional air volume above that necessary to reach safe sealing pressure would not result in a precipitous increase in pressure [2].

How to Reduce Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery

Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) occurs as a complication during anterior cervical spine surgery. In 2005 the authors demonstrated the high incidence of asymptomatic RLNP in a right-sided approach. This follow-up prospective observational study was designed to test 2 options said to reduce the rate of RLNP: reduced endotracheal cuff pressure and sinistral approach. Two hundred forty-two patients in whom anterior cervical spine surgery was performed were examined postoperatively with indirect laryngoscopy to evaluate the status of the vocal cords. All patients had a left-sided approach but 1 group (A, 149 patients) was operated on with an additional reduction of endotracheal cuff pressure to below 20 mm Hg. In 93 patients we could not reduce the cuff pressure. This group served as a control group (B). Both groups were compared with a historic control group with a right-sided approach and no cuff pressure reduction. In cases of vocal cord malfunction a follow-up examination was done 3 months later. Group A (low cuff pressure) had a total rate of persisting symptomatic and asymptomatic RLNP of 1.3% and group B had a rate of 6.5% (normal cuff pressure). Compared with the historic study (N = 120) with a right-sided approach and a total rate of persisting RLNP of 13.3% in the left-sided approach, a marked reduction to 6.5% and 1.3% with an additional reduction of cuff pressure was seen. The left-sided approach in anterior cervical spine surgery reduces the incidence of postoperative and permanent RLNP significantly. Endotracheal cuff pressure reduction used additionally decreases the rate of RLNP even more. These results indicate that anterior cervical spine surgery should be performed with a left-sided approach and, if possible, with an additional reduction of the endotracheal cuff pressure while the retractors are inserted.

Endotracheal Tube Intracuff Pressure During Helicopter Transport

We evaluate changes in endotracheal tube intracuff pressures among intubated patients during aeromedical transport. We determine whether intracuff pressures exceed 30 cm H(2)O during aeromedical transport. During a 12-month period, a helicopter-based rescue team prospectively recorded intracuff pressures of mechanically ventilated patients before takeoff and as soon as the maximum flight level was reached. With a commercially available pressure manometer, intracuff pressure was adjusted to < or =25 cm H(2)O before loading of the patient. The endpoint of our investigation was the increase of endotracheal tube cuff pressure during helicopter transport. Among 114 intubated patients, mean altitude increase was 2,260 feet (95% confidence interval [CI] 2,040 to 2,481 feet; median 2,085 feet; interquartile range [IQR] 1,477.5 to 2,900 feet). Mean flight time was 14.8 minutes (95% CI 13.1 to 16.4 minutes; median 13.5 minutes; IQR 10 to 16.1 minutes). Intracuff pressure increased from 28.7 cm H(2)O (95% CI 27.0 to 30.4 cm H(2)O [median 25 cm H(2)O; IQR 25 to 30 cm H(2)O]) to 62.6 cm H(2)O (95% CI 58.8 to 66.5 cm H(2)O; median 58; IQR 48 to 72 cm H(2)O). At cruising altitude, 98% of patients had intracuff pressures > or =30 cm H(2)O, 72% had intracuff pressures > or =50 cm H(2)O, and 20% even had intracuff pressures > or =80 cm H(2)O. Endotracheal cuff pressure during transport frequently exceeded 30 cm H(2)O during aeromedical transport. Hospital and out-of-hospital practitioners should measure and adjust endotracheal cuff pressures before and during flight.

Variations in endotracheal cuff pressure in intubated critically ill patients: prevalence and risk factors

An endotracheal cuff pressure of 20-30 cmH(2)O is recommended. Underinflation and overinflation are associated with complications such as aspiration and tracheal wall damage. The aim of this study was to identify prevalence of, and risk factors for, endotracheal cuff underinflation and overinflation. Prospective observational cohort study. All critically ill patients intubated with a high-volume lowpressure endotracheal tube were eligible. After manual adjustment of cuff pressure at 25 cmH(2)O, continuous recording of cuff pressure and airway pressure was performed for 8 h. Underinflation and overinflation of the endotracheal cuff were defined as cuff pressure less than 20 cmH(2)O and more than 30 cmH(2)O, respectively. In all patients, the time spent with normal cuff pressure or with underinflation or overinflation of the endotracheal cuff was measured. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine risk factors for cuff underinflation and overinflation. Eight hundred and eight hours of cuff pressure recordings were analysed in 101 patients. Eighteen per cent of study patients spent 100% of recording time with normal (20-30 cmH(2)O) cuff pressure. Fifty-four per cent of study patients developed cuff underinflation, 73% developed cuff overinflation, and 44% developed both. Thirty- three per cent of study patients developed underinflation or overinflation for more than 30 min. Absence of sedation [odds ratio (95% confidence interval)=2.51 (1-6), P=0.03] and duration of prior intubation [1.16 (1.04-1.29), P<0.01] were independently associated with cuff underinflation. No risk factor for overinflation could be determined. The percentage of time spent with underinflation significantly (P<0.01) increased during the recording period. Variations in endotracheal cuff pressure are common in ICU patients. Duration of prior intubation and absence of sedation are independently associated with increased risk for cuff underinflation.

Assessment of Endotracheal Cuff Pressure by Continuous Monitoring: A Pilot Study

Endotracheal tube cuff pressure must be maintained within a narrow therapeutic range to prevent complications. Cuff pressure is measured and adjusted intermittently. To assess the accuracy and feasibility of continuous monitoring of cuff pressure, describe changes in cuff pressure over time, and identify clinical factors that influence cuff pressure. In a pilot study, data were collected for a mean of 9.3 hours on 10 patients who were orally intubated and receiving mechanical ventilation. Sixty percent of the patients were white, mean age was 55 years, and mean intubation time was 2.8 days. The initial cuff pressure was adjusted to a minimum of 20 cm H2O. The pilot balloon of the endotracheal tube was connected to a transducer and a pressure monitor. Cuff pressure was recorded every 0.008 seconds during a typical 12-hour shift and was reduced to 1-minute means. Patient care activities and interventions were recorded on a personal digital assistant. Values obtained with the cufflator-manometer and the transducer were congruent. Only 54% of cuff pressure measurements were within the recommended range of 20 to 30 cm H2O. The cuff pressure was high in 16% of measurements and low in 30%. No statistically significant changes over time were noted. Endotracheal suctioning, coughing, and positioning affected cuff pressure. Continuous monitoring of cuff pressure is feasible, accurate, and safe. Cuff pressures vary widely among patients.

Análise das pressões de balonetes em diferentes angulações da cabeceira do leito dos pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva

Correct cuff inflation allows appropriate ventilation, and prevents aspiration pneumonia as well as several tracheal complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate endotracheal cuff pressure and/or tracheotomy tubes at zero, 30 and 60 degrees inclination of the patient's bed head section in adult intensive care units. A cross sectional study was carried out evaluating the cuff pressure, the expiratory tidal volume (VT) and the peak airway pressure (PP) at inclinations zero, 30 and 60 degree of the head section of the patients' bed. The 30 degree inclination was considered the standard position used as control to analyze values in the zero and 60 degree positions, which were randomly ordered. The Student's t test was used and was considered significant when p < 0.05. A sample of 12 women and 12 men with a mean age of 51.29 ± 19.55 years was surveyed. When inclination of the bed head section was changed from 30 to zero degrees, there was a 16.9% mean reduction of the cuff pressure and 11.8% mean increase of the PP. On the other hand, changing the position from 30 to 60 degrees caused a mean reduction of 18.8% in the cuff pressure and a mean increase of 13.3% in the PP. Findings were significant when p < 0.05. To prevent air leak and risk of aspiration pneumonia, adequate adjustments and monitoring of the patients cuff pressure are necessary when inclination of the bed head section is changed.

Does polyurethane impact endotracheal cuff pressure?

Does polyurethane impact endotracheal cuff pressure?

Does polyurethane impact endotracheal cuff pressure?

Does polyurethane impact endotracheal cuff pressure?

Anesthesia considerations in large-volume lipoplasty

Large-volume lipoplasty is becoming more common and has been proven to be safe and effective. Large-volume lipoplasty is normally performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Techniques of general anesthesia and fluid management are important factors in improving the safety of large-volume lipoplasty. Certain important considerations in anesthesia and perioperative management can improve outcomes in large-volume lipoplasty. Our objective is to present our protocol and technique for general anesthesia in large-volume lipoplasty Large-volume lipoplasty (5 to 18.5 L) was performed on 32 patients under general endotracheal anesthesia. Important considerations included proper selection of patients, low flow of anesthesia gases, prevention of hypothermia, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, intraoperative fluid ratio of 1, Foley catheter to monitor urine output, and postoperative overnight or longer monitoring in a well-equipped hospital. Maintaining the endotracheal cuff pressure between 20 to 30 mm of water helped to reduce incidence of sore throat. Addition of lidocaine in wetting solution helped to reduce requirement of general anesthetic agents and as a result, postoperative recovery was faster and more pleasant. Major complications did not occur in any patients. Minor complications encountered were nausea, vomiting, and shivering and occurred in about 25% of patients. All patients were able to walk without support 4 hours after surgery. In spite of minor complications, all patients reported the postoperative recovery to be better than expected. General anesthesia for large-volume lipoplasty is safe. Postoperative recovery can be made faster and more pleasant by following these recommendations.

Pressures Exerted by Endobronchial Devices

High endotracheal cuff pressures have been shown to cause high mucosal pressures and a reduction in mucosal blood flow, with the risk of mucosal ischemia. We aimed to directly measure the pressure exerted by the bronchial cuffs of double-lumen tubes (DLT) and by the cuffs of three new designs of endobronchial blocker (EBB). Using a validated in vitro model and a previously described technique, we measured the static pressures exerted by the cuff of DLTs and EBBs with 1 mL increments in cuff volume until maximum inflation was achieved. The study was repeated under dynamic conditions of simulated positive pressure ventilation. The pressures exerted by the cuffs of DLTs ranged from 16-155 mm Hg. Pressures exerted by the EBB cuffs ranged from 39-194 mm Hg. At intra-cuff volumes required to create a seal to 25 cm H2O positive pressure, the pressures exerted by the cuffs of all the devices were <30 mm Hg. A transmitted pressure <30 mm Hg has been recommended to avoid mucosal injury. Our study shows that at clinically relevant cuff volumes, the pressures exerted by the cuffs do not exceed the recommended safe limit.

Continuous control of endotracheal cuff pressure and tracheal wall damage: a randomized controlled animal study

BackgroundIntubation is frequently performed in intensive care unit patients. Overinflation of the endotracheal tube cuff is a risk factor for tracheal ischemia and subsequent complications. Despite manual control of the cuff pressure, overinflation of the endotracheal cuff is common in intensive care unit patients. We hypothesized that efficient continuous control of the endotracheal cuff pressure using a pneumatic device would reduce tracheal ischemic lesions in piglets ventilated for 48 hours through a high-volume, low-pressure endotracheal tube.Materials and methodsTwelve piglets were intubated and mechanically ventilated for 48 hours. Animals were randomized to manual control of the endotracheal cuff pressure (n = 6) or to continuous control of the endotracheal cuff pressure using a pneumatic device (n = 6). In the two groups, we inflated the endotracheal cuff with 50 ml air for 30 minutes, eight times daily. This hyperinflation of the endotracheal cuff aimed at mimicking high-pressure periods observed in intubated critically ill patients. In all animals, the cuff pressure and the airway pressure were continuously recorded for 48 hours. After sacrifice of the study animals, the trachea was removed and opened longitudinally for gross and histological examination. A pathologist evaluated the slides without knowledge of treatment group assignment.ResultsThe cuff pressure was significantly lower in piglets with the pneumatic device than in piglets without the pneumatic device (median (interquartile range), 18.6 (11–19.4) cmH2O versus 26 (20–56) cmH2O, P = 0.009). No significant difference was found in the percentage of time spent with a cuff pressure <15 cmH2O and that with a cuff pressure between 30 and 50 cmH2O. The percentage of time between 15 and 30 cmH2O of cuff pressure, however, was significantly higher in piglets with the pneumatic device than in piglets without the pneumatic device (98% (95–99%) versus 65% (44–80%), P = 0.002). In addition, the percentage of time with cuff pressure >50 cmH2O was significantly lower in piglets with the pneumatic device than in piglets without the pneumatic device (0% versus 19% (12–41%), P = 0.002).In all animals, hyperemia and hemorrhages were observed at the cuff contact area. Histological examination showed no difference in tracheal lesions between animals with and without the pneumatic device. These lesions included deep mucous ulceration, squamous metaplasia and intense mucosal inflammation. No cartilage lesions were observed.ConclusionThe pneumatic device provided effective continuous control of high-volume, low-pressure endotracheal cuff pressure in piglets mechanically ventilated for 48 hours. In the present model, however, no significant difference was found in tracheal mucosal lesions of animals with or without a pneumatic device. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of continuous control of cuff pressure over a longer duration of mechanical ventilation.