The Changes of Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure during Manual and Intermittent Controlling in Intensive Care Units

Usually, the endotracheal tube cuff pressure is controlled by cuff pressure monitoring. However, the intermittent pilot‑manometer connection and disconnection may cause a change in the adjusted pressure. This study aimed to investigate changes in the endotracheal tube cuff pressure using both manual and intermittent controls.

A semi‑experimental within‑subject design was conducted. Fifty‑nine intubated patients in the Mazandaran Intensive Care Units (ICUs) participated through convenience sampling in 2018. In the control condition, first, the cuff pressure was adjusted in 25 cm H2O then it was measured without manometer‑pilot disconnection at 1 and 5 min intervals. In the intervention condition, cuff pressure was immediately adjusted in 25 cm H2O then it was measured with manometer‑pilot disconnection in the 1st and 5th minutes. Data analysis was performed using Independent t‑test, Chi‑square test, and Phi coefficient.

The mean and Standard Deviation (SD) change of cuff pressure after 1 minute, from 25 cm H2O, in the intervention condition was 20.22 (3.53) cm H2O. The mean (SD) of this change in the control condition was 25.22 (3.39) cm H2O. This difference was significant (t116 = 7.83, p < 0.001, d = 1.44). The mean (SD) change of cuff pressure after 5 minutes, from 25 cm H2O, in the intervention condition was 19.11 (2.98) cm H2O. The mean (SD) of this change in the control condition was 25.47 (4.53) cm H2O. This difference was significant (t116 = 9.24, p < 0.001, d = 1.70).

The tracheal tube cuff pressure has been significantly reduced during manual intermittent measuring. Therefore, it is suggested that continuous cuff pressure monitoring and regulation should be used.