The use of the metallic sphygmomanometer for measurement of endotraheal tube cuff pressure

C.O. Pastuch, Alexandrina Şerban
1.Secţia ATI, Spitalul Universitar CF, Constanţa

Abstract

Aims. Evaluation of the endotracheal tube cuff pressure measurement using a metallic sphyngo-manometer.

Methods. In 55 patients undergoing general anaesthesia which included the use of nitrous oxide in 50-55% with oxygen, the endotracheal tube cuff pressure was measured. Only Murphy Maersk Medical endotracheal tubes were used. The measurements were performed with a metallic sphygmomanometer connected to the pilot balloon of the endotracheal tube. The pressure was measured at three moments: 1. as soon as the cuff was inflated with air, when the pressure was fixed at a reference value of 20 mmHg; 2. 30 min after the first measurement the pressure was fixed again at the reference value; 3. 60 min after the first measurement, if the duration of surgical procedure allowed the measurement (9 cases).

Results. After 30 min. the endotracheal intracuff pressure increased with 67.1% above the reference value (p<0.01). At 60 min. the pressure increased with 53.9% above the reference value.

Conclusions. The endotracheal tube cuff pressure measurement with a sphygmomanometer is a satisfactory method. Because of the rapid increase of intracuff pressure, the intraanesthetic measurements should be done at intervals shorter than 30 min.

Keywords: endotracheal tube, cuff, nitrous oxide, sphygmomanometer

TEHNICI
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Jurnalul Român de Anestezie Terapie intensivă 2006 Vol.13 Nr.1, 55-58