Abstract
Objective
This study compared the recently introduced Microcuff endotracheal tube HVLP ICU featuring an ultrathin (7-µm) polyurethane cuff membrane with endotracheal tubes from different manufacturers regarding fluid leakage past the tube cuff.
Design
In vitro setup.
Measurements and results
The following endotracheal tubes (ID 7.5 mm) were compared: Mallinckrodt HiLo, Microcuff HVLP ICU, Portex Profile Soft Seal, Rüsch Super Safety Clear, and Sheridan CF. A vertical PVC trachea model (ID 20 mm) was intubated, and cuffs were inflated to 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 60 cmH2O. Colored water (5 ml) was added to the top of the cuff. The amount of leaked fluid past the tube cuff within 5, 10, and 60 min was recorded. Experiments were performed four times using two examples of each tube brand. Fluid leakage past tube cuffs occurred in all conventional endotracheal tubes at cuff pressures from 10 to 60 cmH2O. In the Microcuff tube cuff pressure fluid leakage was observed within 10 min only at 10 cmH2O. Results with the Microcuff tube were significantly better than all other tube brands at cuff pressures of 10–30 cmH2O.
Conclusions
Within the acceptable upper limit for tracheal cuff pressure (25–30 cmH2O) the Microcuff endotracheal tube was the only one of the tested tubes to prevent fluid leakage in our in vitro setup. In vivo studies are required to confirm these findings.
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Acknowledgements
We thank Mrs. Stephanie Müller, RNA, Department of Radiology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, for her most helpful assistance in performing CT of the investigated tracheal tube cuffs.
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This study was supported by Microcuff GmbH, Weinheim, Germany, by providing the Microcuff tubes without charge. No financial support was obtained from the manufacturer for the study. Dr. Weiss and Dr. Gerber serve on the Medical Board of Microcuff GmbH for the development of a newly designed pediatric cuffed tracheal tube.
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Dullenkopf, A., Gerber, A. & Weiss, M. Fluid leakage past tracheal tube cuffs: evaluation of the new Microcuff endotracheal tube. Intensive Care Med 29, 1849–1853 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-003-1933-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-003-1933-6