Modified Continuous Cuff Pressure Monitor/Inflator

Rakesh Garg

《Acta Anaesthesiologica Taiwanica》 47卷1期 (2009/03) Pp. 51-52

並列摘要

Monitoring cuff pressure is important as it helps avoid tracheal morbidity. The effects of prolonged cuff inflation with high pressures are well discussed in the literature.1 In particular, during general anesthesia requiring nitrous oxide, the cuff volume of the inflated air is increased because diffusion of nitrous oxide into the cuff leads to an increase in cuff pressure.2
A cuff pressure monitor, although available commercially, is not universally available. I use a modified cuff inflator/monitor for cuff pressure monitoring using a three-way stopcock, sphygmomanometer inflating bulb and pressure tubing (Figure 1). This assembly gives a continuous cuff reading during cuff inflation and deflation.
A pressure module/transducer assembly used for invasive or direct pressure monitoring can also be used to monitor the cuff pressure continuously. It not only gives a numerical value but also a continuous tracing. The port for flushing the pressure tubing is used for inflation/deflation of the cuff to acceptable and safe limits. I found it useful in laryngeal surgeries where there can be a risk of cuff rupture or leakage, as this is immediately reflected in an exceptional reading, and pressure can be continuously traced as well. Thus, a modified cuff pressure monitor to control cuff inflation/deflation may prove useful to avoid tracheal morbidity.