An In Vitro Study to Assess Determinant Features Associated With Fluid Sealing in the Design of Endotracheal Tube Cuffs and Exerted Tracheal Pressures*

Abstract

The high-volume low-pressure cuffs' outer diameter, length, material, and internal pressure are the main determinants of sealing efficacy. Despite internal pressure within the safe range, transmitted tracheal pressure is extremely heterogeneous and differs among cuffs, occasionally reaching localized, very high, unsafe levels.