title: Performance comparison of a new automated cuff pressure controller with currently available devices in both basic research and clinical settings.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The management of tracheal tube cuff pressure in patients receiving mechanical ventilation is important for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Currently, cuff pressure is intermittently monitored with a pressure gauge and adjusted when necessary in a routine practice. However, this method results in wide variations in pressure, and adequate management is difficult due to the spontaneous release of air from the cuff, which reduces cuff pressure. In order to continuously maintain a uniform cuff pressure, we developed a new automated cuff pressure controller and compared its properties with existing devices.
  
  
  METHODS
  The effectiveness of the new device was assessed with a model trachea/lung and tracheal tube by measuring cuff pressure while on mechanical ventilation. An electrically powered automatic cuff controller or manual cuff pressure control was used for comparison purposes. The effectiveness of the new device was also examined in patients receiving mechanical ventilation by continuously measuring cuff pressure for a 24-h period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cuff pressure was uniformly maintained with the new device. Moreover, in the clinical setting, variation in pressure from the set pressure was minimal with both the new device and existing device, relative to the intermittent monitoring method. This suggests that, as with the existing device, uniform cuff pressure management is possible with the new device.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results demonstrate the ability of the new cuff pressure controller to manage cuff pressure without the need of a power source, highlighting its potential utility in clinical settings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, 1-1 Idaigaoka-Hasamamachi, Yufu City, Oita 879-5593 Japan ; Department of Medical Technologists, Division of Engineering, Kokura Memorial Hospital, 3-2-1 Asano-Kokura Kitaku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka 802-8555 Japan.
authors.forename: Junichi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Michikoshi
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, 1-1 Idaigaoka-Hasamamachi, Yufu City, Oita 879-5593 Japan.
authors.forename: Shigekiyo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matsumoto
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Kokura Memorial Hospital, 3-2-1 Asano-Kokura Kitaku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka 802-8555 Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Miyawaki
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Technologists, Division of Engineering, Kokura Memorial Hospital, 3-2-1 Asano-Kokura Kitaku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka 802-8555 Japan.
authors.forename: Harushi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Niu
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Kokura Memorial Hospital, 3-2-1 Asano-Kokura Kitaku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka 802-8555 Japan.
authors.forename: Katsuhiro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Seo
authors.affiliation: Oita Kyowa Hospital, 953-1 Miyazaki, Oita City, Oita 870-1133 Japan.
authors.forename: Makoto
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yamamoto
authors.affiliation: Tokuki Giken Kogyo Co., Ltd., 318 Onegawa, Usa City, Oita 879-0232 Japan.
authors.forename: Shu-Ichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tokunaga
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, 1-1 Idaigaoka-Hasamamachi, Yufu City, Oita 879-5593 Japan.
authors.forename: Takaaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kitano
keywords: Airway management; Automated cuff pressure gauge; Cuff pressure; Mechanical ventilation; Respiratory care; Tracheal intubation