[Nitrous oxide and pressures exerted on the trachea by endotracheal tubes. Study on a tracheal model].

The authors studied the effects of nitrous oxide diffusion, using a tracheal model, on the pressure of several endotracheal tube cuffs. Studies carried out showed an increase in volume and pressure of the cuffs related to time exposure and nitrous oxide concentrations used. Use of a self-controlled pressure cuff or filling the cuff with inspired gas composition should be of value to counteract or to prevent the diffusion effect.