Cuff Pressure Regulation Apparatus for Tracheal Intubation in Children

A Cross-over Study to Compare Two Different Tracheal Cuff Pressure Monitoring Devices in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Despite the expert recommendation about rigorous monitoring of tracheal cuff pressure using a continuous or intermittent technique, cuff underinflation and overinflation are common increasing the risk of microinhalation and tracheal ischemia. All these complications are associated with high morbidity and mortality in ICU.

In this study, the investigators will compare the duration of the period of under-inflation and over-inflation between electronic (VBM©) and pneumatic (Nosten©) devices (continuous monitoring of tracheal cuff pressure), in critically intubated children. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the electronic device in the continuous monitoring of tracheal cuff pressure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Infants and children more than 2 days after birth at term and less than 5 years of age
• Patient intubated in the PICU with a cuffed endotracheal tube
• Predicted duration of mechanical ventilation > or = 24-hours
• Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Intubated with an uncuffed endotracheal tube
• Children admitted to the PICU with a previous tracheostomy
• Preterm children or infants less than 2 days post-term
• Patient under block neuromuscular treatment
• Patient enrolled in another trial that might influence this study results