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Context: The cuff pressure (CP) of the endotracheal tube (ETT) exceeding 30 cm of H 2 O results in reduced perfusion of lateral mucosa of trachea leading to complications. As the posterior tracheal wall is in contact with the esophagus, there is a possibility that the insertion of transesophageal echo (TEE) probe may compress the tracheal wall and increase CP. Aims: This study was aimed to assess the impact of TEE probe insertion on CP in adults undergoing cardiac surgery. Settings and Design: Prospective observational study of 65 patients at tertiary care level hospital. Subjects and Methods: After balanced general anesthesia, patients were intubated with high volume low-pressure ET.TEE probe was then inserted with gentle jaw thrust. CP was measured by standard invasive pressure monitoring device at four points: T1 at baseline before TEE probe insertion; T2 maximum CP noted at TEE probe insertion; T3 at 5 min post TEE probe insertion; and T4 at post-TEE exam. Statistical Analysis Used: CP was compared between pairs of time points (T1 vs. T2; T1 vs. T3; and T1 vs. T4) using Mann-Whitney U test. Factors predicting CP >30 cm of H 2 O at T4 were assessed by backward stepwise regression. Results: CP (mean ± S.D.) at T1, T2, T3, and T4 was 22 ± 3, 38 ± 10, 30 ± 6, and 30 ± 7, respectively. CP increased significantly from T1 to T2 ( P < 0.001), T1 to T3 ( P < 0.001), and T1 to T4 ( P < 0.001). There were 26 patients (40%) with CP >30 cm of H 2 O at end of TEE exam (T4). On multivariate analysis baseline, CP (T1) >20 cm of H 2 O was significantly associated with CP >30 cm of H 2 O at end of TEE exam with Odd's Ratio (OR) of 8.5 (1.76–41.06, P = 0.008). Conclusions: To conclude, the CP increases significantly with TEE probe insertion in 40% of patients exceeding a safe limit of 30 cm of H 2 O. The monitoring and optimization of CP is advisable.

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