Improving the shape and compliance characteristics of a high-volume, low-pressure cuff improves tracheal seal

A prototype design of a compliant latex, high-volume, low-pressure cuffed t racheal tube cuff (CHVLP) was compared with the Mallinckrodt Hi-Lo, Sherida n preformed and Portex Profile high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) cuffed trac heal tubes for leakage of dye placed above the cuff in a benchtop mechanica l ventilation model and in five isolated pig tracheas. There was no leakage in the ventilation model or in the pig tracheas with the prototype CHVLP. There was rapid leakage in the ventilation model and in all the pig trachea s for the Mallinckrodt Hi-Lo, the Sheridan preformed and the Porter Profile cuffs. This benchtop study suggests that improved HVLP cuff compliance cha racteristics may be beneficial in the prevention of leakage of fluid to the lungs known to occur with HVLP cuffs.