Devising negative pressure within intercuff space reduces microaspiration

Microaspiration past the tracheal tube cuffs causes ventilator-associated pneumonia. The objective of the current study was to evaluate whether creating negative pressure between the tracheal double cuffs could block the fluid passage past the tracheal tube cuffs.

A new negative pressure system was devised between the double cuffs through a suction hole in the intercuff space. Blue-dyed water was instilled above the cuff at negative suction pressures of - 54, - 68, - 82, - 95, - 109, - 122, and - 136 cmH₂O, and the volume leaked was measured in an underlying water trap after 10 min. Leakage tests were also performed during positive pressure ventilation, and using higher-viscosity materials. The actual negative pressures delivered at the hole of double cuffs were obtained by placing microcatheter tip between the intercuff space and the artificial trachea.

No leakage occurred past the double cuff at - 136 cmH₂O suction pressure at all tracheal tube cuff pressures. The volume leaked decreased significantly as suction pressure increased. When connected to a mechanical ventilator, no leakage was found at - 54 cmH₂suction pressure. Volume of the higher-viscosity materials (dynamic viscosity of 63-108 cP and 370-430 cP) leaked was small compared to that of normal saline (0.9-1.1 cP). The pressures measured in the intercuff space corresponded to 3.8-5.9% of those applied.

A new prototype double cuff with negative pressure in the intercuff space completely prevented water leakage. The negative pressure transmitted to the tracheal inner wall was a small percentage of that applied.