Comparison of endotracheal cuff pressures inflated using two techniques - Minimal occlusive volume (MOV) and Pressure Volume Loop closure (PVL-C) used as a guide to provide adequate seal of airway.

The endotracheal tube (ETT) with a cuff is used in mechanically ventilated patients. ETT cuff sealing is nec­essary to ensure mechanical ventilation with adequate tid­al volume, to prevent accidental extubation and to prevent aspiration of orogastric contents into airway. A higher cuff pressure can result in complete airway sealing without air leakage; however, increased cuff pressure can contribute to tracheal injuries, decreased tracheal capillary perfusion Therefore, it is important to main­tain proper cuff pressure that guarantees airway sealing without overinflating the ETT cuff. The most routine way of inflating cuff is injection of fixed amount of air with a syringe. It is an easy, simple and inexpensive method but often leads to cuff distension and over pressure. Therefore, it is important we use a method which provides adequate occlusion and safest pressure. This study aimed to evaluate the difference in cuff pressure between the techniques used to inflate the ETT cuff.