Linear correlation of endotracheal tube cuff pressure and volume.

Objectives: Endotracheal tube cuff (ETTc) inflation by standard methods may result in excessive ETTc pressure. Previous studies have indicated that methods of cuff inflation most frequently used to inflate ETTcs include palpation of the tension in the pilot balloon or injection of a predetermined volume of air to inflate the pilot balloon. If a logarithmic relationship exists between ETTc volume and ETTc pressure, small volumes of additional air will result in dramatic pressure increases after a volume threshold is reached.

The insecure airway: a comparison of knots and commercial devices for securing endotracheal tubes.

Background: Endotracheal Tubes (ETTs) are commonly secured using adhesive tape, cloth tape, or commercial devices. The objectives of the study were (1) To compare degrees of movement of ETTs secured with 6 different commercial devices and (2) To compare movement of ETTs secured with cloth tape tied with 3 different knots (hitches).

Methods: A 17 cm diameter PVC tube with 14 mm "mouth" hole in the side served as a mannequin.

The effect of vinegar on colorimetric end-tidal carbon dioxide determination after esophageal intubation.

This study examines the effect of vinegar placement in the stomach on colorimetric end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO(2)) determinations after esophageal intubation. Using a blinded, prospective, before and after post-mortem swine model, colorimetric ETCO(2) was determined after aspiration of the stomach contents and after placement of aliquots of saline and vinegar. Data were compiled from 12 swine within 120 min post-mortem.

The vexatious vital: neither clinical measurements by nurses nor an electronic monitor provides accurate measurements of respiratory rate in triage.

Study Objective: Of all the vital signs, only respiratory rate is still measured clinically in most US triage systems. Previous studies have demonstrated the inaccuracy, poor interobserver agreement, and low variability of routine measurements of respiratory rate. We assess the variability and accuracy of triage nurses' measurements of respiratory rate against a criterion standard.

Optimal patient position for lumbar puncture, measured by ultrasonography.

The purpose of this study was to identify the patient position for lumbar puncture associated with the widest interspinous distance utilizing ultrasound. Sixteen healthy adult volunteers were placed in three positions commonly used for lumbar puncture (lateral recumbent with knees to chest, sitting and bent forward over an adjustable bedside stand, and sitting with feet supported and chest to knees) and the distance between lumbar spinous processes was measured by ultrasound. Measurements were compared between the three positions.