Quantification of intralaryngeal pressure exerted by endotracheal tubes

Prolonged endotracheal intubation in critically ill patients has become an accepted routine. One notable consequence of this form of management is injury to the posterior aspect of the glottis, apparently an injury caused by the presence of an endotracheal tube. Utilizing two types of sensing devices, the pressure exerted by endotracheal tubes was measured in the canine larynx via a laryngofissure approach. Pressure in excess of 200 mm Hg was consistently noted in the region of the arytenoid cartilage. A variety of tubes were tested with similar results.