Evaluation of the endotracheal tube cuff pressure changes during cardiac operations under cardiopulmonary bypass

Introduction: Tracheal intubation is used for most operations under general anesthesia. Prolonged hyperinflation of the tube cuff can compromise tracheal mucosal perfusion, and low pressure of the cuff may cause some other complications. The aim of this study was the evaluation of changes in intra-cuff pressure in patients undergoing cardiac surgeries under cardiopulmonary bypass.

Methods: In an observational study 120 patient’s candidate to cardiac operations under cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled. After induction of anesthesia and tracheal intubation by same tracheal tubes, tracheal tube cuff pressure was adjusted to 20-25 mm Hg (T0). Then the cuff pressure was measured at beginning of CPB (Cardio Pulmonary Bypass) (T1), at 30º hypothermia (T2) and after separation from CPB (T3).

Results: The mean cuff pressure was 33.5±7.3, 28.9±5.4, 25.6±5.2 and 28.1±3.7 at T0, T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Intra- cuff pressure changed significantly during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Conclusion: The mean intra-cuff pressure was decreased during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. The decrease in cuff pressure may protect the tracheal mucosa against hypotensive ischemic injury in these patients.