Evaluation of the cuff-leak test in a cardiac surgery population.
cross_sectional · Level IV
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy of the cuff-leak test in a cardiovascular ICU. METHODS: Five hundred twenty-four patients were tested immediately before being extubated 531 times. The cuff-leak test was performed with the ventilator set in assist-control mode at a tidal volume (VT) of 10 to 12 mL/kg. The leak was taken to be the difference between the preset inspiratory VT and the average of the three lowest of the subsequent six expiratory VTs. A leak </= 110 mL was considered to be a positive leak test. RESULTS: None of the 20 patients with a positive leak test developed problems. Three patients had postextubation stridor. Their leaks were 433, 312, and 350 mL. CONCLUSION: The cuff-leak test is inaccurate and cannot be recommended for routine use in this population.
Medical subject headings
- Airway Obstruction
- Cardiac Surgical Procedures
- Critical Care
- Intubation, Intratracheal
- Ventilator Weaning