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Background Endotracheal tube cuff pressure must be kept within an optimal range that ensures ventilation and prevents aspiration while maintaining tracheal perfusion. Objectives To test the effect of an intervention (adding or removing air) on the proportion of time that cuff pressure was between 20 and 30 cm H2O and to evaluate changes in cuff pressure over time. Methods A repeated-measure crossover design was used to study 32 orally intubated patients receiving mechanical ventilation for two 12-hour shifts (randomized control and intervention conditions). Continuous cuff pressure monitoring was initiated, and the pressure was adjusted to a minimum of 22 cm H2O. Caregivers were blinded to cuff pressure data, and usual care was provided during the control condition. During the intervention condition, cuff pressure alarm or clinical triggers guided the intervention. Results Most patients were men (mean age, 61.6 years). During the control condition, 51.7% of cuff pressure values were out of range compared with 11.1% during the intervention condition (P < .001). During the intervention, a mean of 8 adjustments were required, mostly to add air to the endotracheal tube cuff (mean 0.28 [SD, 0.13] mL). During the control condition, cuff pressure decreased over time (P < .001). Conclusions The intervention was effective in maintaining cuff pressure within an optimal range, and cuff pressure decreased over time without intervention. The effect of the intervention on outcomes such as ventilator-associated pneumonia and tracheal damage requires further study.

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Background Endotracheal tube cuff pressure must be maintained within a narrow therapeutic range to prevent complications. Cuff pressure is measured and adjusted intermittently. Objectives To assess the accuracy and feasibility of continuous monitoring of cuff pressure, describe changes in cuff pressure over time, and identify clinical factors that influence cuff pressure. Methods In a pilot study, data were collected for a mean of 9.3 hours on 10 patients who were orally intubated and receiving mechanical ventilation. Sixty percent of the patients were white, mean age was 55 years, and mean intubation time was 2.8 days. The initial cuff pressure was adjusted to a minimum of 20 cm H 2 O. The pilot balloon of the endotracheal tube was connected to a transducer and a pressure monitor. Cuff pressure was recorded every 0.008 seconds during a typical 12-hour shift and was reduced to 1-minute means. Patient care activities and interventions were recorded on a personal digital assistant. Results Values obtained with the cufflator-manometer and the transducer were congruent. Only 54% of cuff pressure measurements were within the recommended range of 20 to 30 cm H 2 O. The cuff pressure was high in 16% of measurements and low in 30%. No statistically significant changes over time were noted. Endotracheal suctioning, coughing, and positioning affected cuff pressure. Conclusions Continuous monitoring of cuff pressure is feasible, accurate, and safe. Cuff pressures vary widely among patients.