Effect of various patient positions on endotracheal tube cuff pressure after adult cardiac surgery

Abstract

Background: To avoid microaspiration or tracheal injury, the target endotracheal tube cuff pressure must be maintained 20–30 cmH2O. Changing in patients' positions may effect on endotracheal tube cuff pressure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various patients' positions on endotracheal tube cuff pressure after adult cardiac surgery. Methods: This prospective, interventional study was conducted on 25 adult patients with orotracheal intubation for the cardiac surgery. Patients' endotracheal tube cuff pressure was assessed after surgery in a neutral starting position during an end-expiratory hold, and cuff pressure was regulated at 25 cmH2O. Then, ten changes in head position were performed: anteflexion, hyperextension, left and right lateral flexion, left and right rotation, semi-recumbent position (head elevation in 45°), recumbent position (head elevation in 10°), horizontal supine position, and finally, Trendelenburg position (10°). The observed cuff pressures were compared with the basic cuff pressure at the starting position. Results: Of total 250 measurements (25 participants in 10 positions), 109 (43/6%) were greater than the upper target limit of 30 cmH2O. In contrast, no measurements were less than the lower target limit of 20 cmH2O. 141 (56/4%) measurements were between the target limit of 20–30 cmH2O. All ten changes of patients' head position lead to statistically significant increase in endotracheal tube cuff pressure (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Simple changes in intubated patients' position could significantly increase in endotracheal tube cuff pressure that may potentially damage tracheal mucosa.

Keywords

• Endotracheal intubation
• patient positioning
• cardiac surgery
• Intensive Care Unit