• Alexander Dullenkopf, Achim Schmitz, Andreas C Gerber, and Markus Weiss.
• Department of Anaesthesia, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.
• Paediatr Anaesth. 2004 Oct 1;14(10):825-30.

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to compare sealing characteristics of the new Microcuff pediatric tracheal tube featuring a high volume-low pressure (HVLP) cuff with ultrathin membrane with three conventional pediatric cuffed tracheal tubes.MethodsAfter obtaining approval of the local ethical committee, 80 children aged 2-4 years were tracheally intubated with the following tubes (i.d. 4.0 mm) in random order: Microcuff P-HVLP, Mallinckrodt Hi-Contour P, Rüschelit Super Safety Clear, and Sheridan CF. Cuff pressure to prevent air leakage at standardized ventilator setting (PIP 20 cm H2O/PEEP 5 cm H2O/RR 20 min(-1)) was assessed within 5 min after intubation by auscultation of audible sounds at the mouth. Cuff pressures required with each group were compared with Kruskall-Wallis test (P < 0.05). Values are median and range.ResultsNo significant differences in patient characteristics were found between the four groups. The Microcuff tube required significantly lower sealing pressures [11 cm H2O (6-26)] compared with the other tracheal tube brands [Mallinckrodt: 36 cm H2O (18-48); Rüschelit: 21 cm H2O (8-46); Sheridan: 26 cm H2O (18-60), (P < 0.0001)].ConclusionThis preliminary investigation suggests that the new Microcuff pediatric tracheal tube with ultrathin high volume-low pressure cuff membrane allows effective tracheal sealing at very low cuff pressures. This represents a benefit for children with regard to their lower mucosal perfusion pressures compared with adult patients.Copyright 2004 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

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