Endotracheal Tube (ETT) Cuff Pressure Assessment - Feel versus Measurement
Abstract
Background: Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving intervention. The insertion of an ETT is necessary to perform this modality. Accurately managing ETT cuff pressure exerted is paramount to preventing tissue damage/long-term complications. Method: This study evaluated ETT cuff pressures as a consequence of management without use of cuff manometry. US Army Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) medics were instructed to perform intubation in a simulated airway model. After intubation subjects were instructed to fill ETT cuff with air to what they considered to be acceptable without the use of a cuff manometer. Cuff pressure were measured with a manometer. This procedure was completed three times. Pressure measurements were recorded and compared between subjects and to the accepted range of 20-30 centimeter (cm) water (H2O). Results: Pressure range was 1 - 203 cm H2O with 97% being outside the accepted range and 92% were greater than 30 cm H2O. Conclusions: The results were not within acceptable ranges. The consistently high pressures measured in the cuffs may cause tracheal injuries. A simple and accurate method to measure cuff pressures by these caregivers in austere environments is needed to prevent tracheal injuries due to excess ETT cuff pressure in intubated casualties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 08, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1174175
Entities
People
- Dario Rodriquez
- Richard D Branson
- Thomas C Blakeman
Organizations
- 711th Human Performance Wing
- University of Cincinnati