@article {Rozyckirespcare.03799, author = {Sarah K Rozycki and Fredrick P Dixon and Melissa A Yopp and Norma J Maxvold and Bruce K Rubin}, title = {Endotracheal Tube Seal and Suction Performance in a Novel Biorealistic Tracheal Model}, elocation-id = {respcare.03799}, year = {2015}, doi = {10.4187/respcare.03799}, publisher = {Respiratory Care}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Endotracheal tube (ETT) cuffs create a seal to protect against secretion entry to the lungs. Cuff inflation currently is recommended at 20{\textendash}30 cm H2O pressure. ETT designs have variable seal performance in bench studies using rigid tracheal models lacking the dynamic characteristics of the human trachea. We compared ETT designs within a new, biorealistic tracheal model to assess cuff and suction performance in the setting of a compliant trachea. METHODS: Three ETT designs (Mallinckrodt Hi-Lo, KimVent Microcuff, and Sheridan/HVT) were tested for performance by simulant leakage below the cuff and air leakage (measured as return tidal volume >=80\% delivered) over a range of cuff (5{\textendash}25 cm H2O) and end-expiratory pressure (PEEP 0{\textendash}15 cm H2O). Subglottic suction channel performance was tested in 2 ETTs (TaperGuard Evac [Covidien] and ISIS HVT [Teleflex]) as time to evacuate the simulant. RESULTS: All ETT cuffs provided effective seals at an inflation pressure of 12 cm H2O when PEEP was <=5 cm H2O. The Microcuff ETT sealed at the lowest pressure of 6 cm H2O, whereas the Sheridan/HVT cuff sealed at 12 cm H2O (P = .01). With a PEEP of 15 cm H2O, a reciprocal increase in air leak occurred, requiring a cuff inflation up to 22 cm H2O to maintain a return tidal volume at >=80\% delivered. Suction channel performance improved in the lateral position compared with supine for both ETT designs during continuous 15 mm Hg suction pressure (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Within a novel model with normal trachea compliance, we found all ETT designs tested to seal at lower than current recommended cuff pressures.}, issn = {0020-1324}, URL = {https://rc.rcjournal.com/content/early/2015/05/05/respcare.03799}, eprint = {https://rc.rcjournal.com/content/early/2015/05/05/respcare.03799.full.pdf}, journal = {Respiratory Care} }