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Overinflation of an endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff can lead to severe complications, including tracheal necrosis, laryngeal nerve palsy, and tracheo-esophageal fistula, whereas underinflation can lead to inadequate ventilation from air leaks and aspiration. In a prospective, observational, cross-sectional simulation study, researchers assessed paramedics’ ability to inflate an ETT cuff to a safe pressure and to estimate the pressure of previously inflated cuffs by palpation of the pilot balloon.
After performing a simulated intubation, each participant assessed cuff pressure, and then a researcher measured actual pressure using a cuff inflation device. In a second phase of the study, participants palpated, in random order, nine ETT pilot ballo…