[Continuous monitoring of endotracheal tube cuff pressure: best practice in intensive care unit].

• DOI: 10.1702/1812.19746
• Publication Date: 2015-04-04
• Authors: Matteo Danielis; Sonia Benatti; Paolo Celotti; Amato De Monte; Omar Trombini
• Keywords: Cuff; Endotracheal tube

The endotracheal tube cuff pressure must be maintained within an optimal range of 20-30 cmH2O, which ensures ventilation, prevents aspiration secretions and guarantees a good tracheal perfusion.To describe changes in the over time through continuous monitoring device, assess number nursing actions.Observation 72 patients admitted to general ICU monitored for 12 hours, with continuos device (PressureEasy(®)).During first four hours 4 cases (5.6%) underinflated were observed, 5 (6.9%) overinflation. From fifth eighth hour 7 (9.7%) showed <20 3 (4.2%) >30 cmH2O. During last 22 (30.5%) cuff, overinflation observed. More than half (n=38, 52.8%) did not require any intervention inflation or deflation 25 (34.7%) only one two, twe patients, three. majority required cuff.Our study supports need promptly identify deviations from ranges, allowing their rapid correction.