Changes in endotracheal tube cuff pressure in mechanically ventilated adult patients

Abstract

During mechanical ventilation, endotracheal tube cuff pressure should be maintained within proper range. We investigated the effect of frequent adjustment on cuff pressure in 27 mechanically ventilated patients. Cuff pressure was recorded every 2 h and was adjusted to 24 cmH2O each time. We found that cuff pressure was decreased by 4.9 ± 2.9 cmH2O from the target value. Cuff pressure decreased to less than 20 cmH2O in 45% of measurement occasions 2 h after adjusting it to 24 cmH2O.