IntroductionThe inflation pressure of the endotracheal tube cuff can cause ischemia of the
tracheal mucosa at high pressures; thus, it can cause important tracheal morbidity
and tracheal microaspiration of the oropharyngeal secretion, or it can even cause
pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation if the pressure of the cuff is
insufficient.ObjectiveIn order to investigate the effectiveness of the RUSCH® 7.5 mm endotracheal tube
cuff, this study was designed to investigate the physical and mechanical aspects
of the cuff in contact with the trachea.MethodsFor this end, we developed an in vitro experimental model to assess the flow of
dye (methylene blue) by the inflated cuff on the wall of the artificial material.
We also designed an in vivo study with 12 Large White pigs under endotracheal
intubation. We instilled the same dye in the oral cavity of the animals, and we
analyzed the presence or not of leakage in the trachea after the region of the
cuff after their deaths (animal sacrifice). All cuffs were inflated at the
pressure of 30 cmH2O.ResultsWe observed the passage of fluids through the cuff in all in vitro and in vivo
experimental models.ConclusionWe conclude that, as well as several other cuff models in the literature, the
RUSCH® 7.5 mm tube cuffs are also not able to completely seal the trachea and thus
prevent aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions. Other prevention measures should
be taken.