IntelliCuff®. Training resources

The IntelliCuff® pressure controller automatically maintains the desired cuff pressure to protect patients from ventilator-associated pneumonia and tracheal injuries.

The choice of tube size for uncuffed tubes is commonly made according to Cole`s formula (Age/4 + 4 mm); for cuffed tubes a size 0.5 mm smaller is recommended. The cuff pressure needs to be sufficient to avoid leakage during mechanical ventilation, and also to completely seal the airway and prevent micro-aspiration (thus preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia).

During fixed- or rotary-wing transport, my usual practice is to inject 10 ml of saline into the cuff of the patient’s endotracheal tube to prevent over-inflation. What would be the advantage of using an air-filled cuff in combination with an automatic cuff-pressure controller in these situations?