title: The effect of cuff presence and cuff inflation on airway pressure in a canine tracheostomy tube model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effect of cuff presence and cuff inflation on airway pressure in an inspiratory model of canine tracheostomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ex vivo experimental study. Cadaver tracheas from Beagle dogs were attached aborally to a vacuum. Airway pressure and flow rate was measured before and after placement of tracheostomy tubes.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adult uncuffed tubes and cuffed tracheostomy tubes (sizes 4, 6, 8, and 10) were placed within tracheas. Cuffs were investigated without inflation and at maximum cuff inflation. Airway pressure was measured at constant airflow rates at 30 and 60 L/min.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At set flow rates, airway pressures of tracheostomy tubes were compared to the intact trachea. A size 4 uncuffed tracheostomy tube showed the lowest airway pressure and a size 4 cuffed trachestomy tube with inflation showed the highest airway pressures. For sizes 6, 8, and 10 tubes, the presence of a cuff with and without inflation significantly increased airway pressure. Inflation of a cuff always significantly increased airway pressure. Similar pressure is seen between sizes 4 and 6 uncuffed tubes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cuffed tracheostomy tubes should not be used unless specifically indicated due to increased airway pressure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, North Mymms, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Jamie R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Wignall
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Baines
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002102:Cadaver; D004285:Dogs; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D011312:Pressure; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*
keywords: complications; morbidity; temporary patent airway; trachea