[Pressure exerted on tracheal cuffs in intubation in the presence of nitrous oxide].

OBJECTIVE

To compare the time course of endotracheal tube cuff pressures in presence of nitrous oxide (N2O), obtained in a tracheal model with those measured during clinical anaesthesia.

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental and clinical prospective study.

MATERIAL

Twelve brands of low-pressure tracheal tubes.

METHODS

The pressure changes in the cuffs were measured over a three-hour-period in presence of a N2O (50 vol%)/O2 (50 vol%) mixture and mechanical ventilation, the tube being inserted either in a tracheal model or in the trachea of patients during general anaesthesia.

RESULTS

The results obtained in vitro were correlated with those measured in the patients. Therefore the tracheal model is a helpful guide for the choice of endotracheal tubes.