Premium
Tracheal sealing characteristics of pediatric cuffed tracheal tubes
Author(s) -
Dullenkopf Alexander,
Schmitz Achim,
Gerber Andreas C.,
Weiss Markus
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
pediatric anesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.704
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1460-9592
pISSN - 1155-5645
DOI - 10.1111/j.1460-9592.2004.01316.x
Subject(s) - mallinckrodt , medicine , tracheal tube , cuff , tracheal intubation , auscultation , intubation , anesthesia , surgery , family medicine
Summary Background : The aim of the study was to compare sealing characteristics of the new Microcuff pediatric tracheal tube featuring a high volume–low pressure (HVLP) cuff with ultrathin membrane with three conventional pediatric cuffed tracheal tubes. Methods : After obtaining approval of the local ethical committee, 80 children aged 2–4 years were tracheally intubated with the following tubes (i.d. 4.0 mm) in random order: Microcuff P‐HVLP, Mallinckrodt Hi‐Contour P, Rüschelit Super Safety Clear, and Sheridan CF. Cuff pressure to prevent air leakage at standardized ventilator setting (PIP 20 cm H 2 O/PEEP 5 cm H 2 O/RR 20 min −1 ) was assessed within 5 min after intubation by auscultation of audible sounds at the mouth. Cuff pressures required with each group were compared with Kruskall–Wallis test ( P < 0.05). Values are median and range. Results : No significant differences in patient characteristics were found between the four groups. The Microcuff tube required significantly lower sealing pressures [11 cm H 2 O (6–26)] compared with the other tracheal tube brands [Mallinckrodt: 36 cm H 2 O (18–48); Rüschelit: 21 cm H 2 O (8–46); Sheridan: 26 cm H 2 O (18–60), ( P < 0.0001)]. Conclusion : This preliminary investigation suggests that the new Microcuff pediatric tracheal tube with ultrathin high volume–low pressure cuff membrane allows effective tracheal sealing at very low cuff pressures. This represents a benefit for children with regard to their lower mucosal perfusion pressures compared with adult patients.