Improvised technique for measuring tracheal tube cuff pressure

Abstract

We agree with the editorial published by Feng et al concerning the insufficient routine monitoring of tracheal tube cuff pressure (TTCP) by anesthesiologists, and propose an improvised technique that can facilitate and promote such routine monitoring by intensive care staff who attend to patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Insufficient monitoring of tracheal cuff pressure has also been documented for intensive care unit nurses. Measurements of cuff pressure are beneficial when used in management of air leakage around an endotracheal tube, and can be easily obtained with the aid of a personalized and simple technique performed using materials that are readily available in all hospitals. Other investigators have previously demonstrated the usefulness of employing an improvised technique. We considered that possible disadvantages are similar to those encountered when using standardized equipment. With our improvised technique, we seek to promote among the nursing staff the determination of the TTCP in intubated patients to reduce the risk of related medical complications.

Keywords: Endotracheal tube, Mechanical ventilation, Cuff pressure, Improvised devices, Nursing practice

Core tip: This letter to the editor supports an opinion expressed in an article recently published in the World Journal of Anesthesiology. In that article, Feng et al mentioned that despite evidence suggesting its benefits, anesthesiologists often do not measure a patient’s endotracheal tube cuff pressure. We suggest an improvised and personalized technique that can be employed to facilitate taking such measurements on a routine basis in the setting of an intensive care unit with limited resources.