Measuring endotracheal tube intracuff pressure: no room for complacency

J Clin Monit Comput. 2021 Feb;35(1):3-10. doi: 10.1007/s10877-020-00501-2. Epub 2020 Mar 20.

Abstract

Tracheal intubation constitutes a routine part in the care of critically ill and anaesthetised patients. Prolonged use of endotracheal with inflated cuff is one of the major multifactorial causes of complications. Both under-inflation and over-inflation of cuff are associated with complications. Despite known problems, regular measurement of cuff pressure is not routine, and it is performed on an ad hoc basis.

Keywords: Complication; Cuff pressure; Endotracheal; Over-pressure; Under-pressure.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Critical Illness
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Intratracheal*
  • Pressure
  • Trachea*