Transesophageal Echocardiography(TEE) Probe Insertion and Tracheal Cuff Pressure

Increase of Tracheal Cuff Pressure During Transesophageal Echocardiography Probe Insertion: Double-lumen Tube Versus Single-lumen Tube

Tracheal cuff overinflation is known to reduce tracheal mucosal blood flow and to increase tracheal morbidity. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe insertion may increase the tracheal cuff pressure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of TEE probe insertion on tracheal cuff pressure and to compare the effects in single-lumen tube and double-lumen tube.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult patients scheduled for elective cardiothoracic surgery
• requiring intraoperative TEE monitoring

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients with tracheal stenosis
• patients with tracheoesophageal fistula
• patients with esophageal surgery
• patients with esophageal varix
• patients with Barrett esophagus
• patients with esophageal hernia
• patients with descending thoracic aorta aneurysm
• patients with dysphagia
• patients with vocal fold palsy