Effect of xenon on endotracheal tube cuff

Study Design:To investigate the effect of xenon on the endotracheal tube cu ff in comparison to that of nitrous oxide. Design:Prospective, randomized study. Setting:Laboratory in vitro testing of endotracheal tubes. Interventions: E xposure of air-filled endotracheal tube cuffs to xenon or nitrous oxide (79 vol%) mixed with a balance of oxygen (21 vol%) for 3 hours. Measurements:The intra-cuff pressure and gas volume in the cuff were measur ed for 3 hours. Main Results and Conclusion:Increase in pressure and gas volume was signifi cantly less and slower with xenon than with nitrous oxide. More nitrous oxi de passes into the cuff than xenon. (C) 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc.