[A method for the symmetrical pre-stretching of cuffs of plastic tubes (author's transl)[].

We describe a method to prestretch symmetrically cuffs of plastic endotracheal tubes. The tracheal wall pressure will be lower than the capillary pressure of the mucous membranes in tow third of the cases, if correctly prestrecthed cuffs are used. The importance of using truly high volume low pressure cuffs with a cuff diameter of a least 25 to 30 mm is stressed.