Assessment of endotracheal cuff pressure by continuous monitoring: a pilot study.

Background: Endotracheal tube cuff pressure must be maintained within a narrow therapeutic range to prevent complications. Cuff pressure is measured and adjusted intermittently.

Objectives: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusions: Continuous monitoring of cuff pressure is feasible, accurate, and safe. Cuff pressures vary widely among patients.