Abstract :
Introduction: Endotracheal tube (ETT) is commonly used to provide positive pressure ventilation. ETT cuff pressure is maintained within a range of 20 to 30 cmH2O. High pressure affects micro-circulation and integrity of the tracheal mucosa, resulting in complications. The cuff pressure is measured by connecting a pressure gauge device to pilot balloon. Two variety devices are available; analog or digital manometers. Present study is used to study the efficacy of AG CUFFILLL (Digital) compared with standard PORTEX Cuff inflator/pressure gauge (Analog) for the measurement of ETT cuff pressure.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted after obtaining institutional ethical clearance and written informed consent.100 patients between the age of 18-70yrs who fulfilled inclusion criteria. We measured ETT cuff pressure using AG CUFFILL (Digital) and standard PORTEX Cuff inflator/pressure gauge and compared the pressure recording of the two equipment and we studied ease of use for both.
Result: Out of 100 patients between the age of 18-70yrs, 61 patients (61%) were male and 39 patients (39%) were female. Mean cuff pressure of ETT using AG CUFFILL was 36.29±6.36 cmH2O and in PORTEX was 33.97±6.16cm H2O. Mean difference in the values between the cuff pressure measured by AG CUFFILL and PORTEX was ± 2.67. Comparing the two devices, it was noticed that in 05 (5%) patients measuring ETT cuff pressure using AG CUFFILL was difficult as the values were fluctuating.
Conclusions: Based on results, authors recommend AG CUFFILL for ETT cuff pressure measurement owing to its accuracy, non-bulky, and ease to carry.
Keyword :
Endotracheal tube, Cuff pressure, AG CUFFILL, Pilot balloon, Digital, Analogue