endotracheal tube cuff leak
Loss of tracheal seal due to air escaping around a deflated, damaged, or improperly positioned endotracheal tube cuff.
Full Definition
An endotracheal tube cuff leak occurs when the inflatable cuff fails to maintain an adequate seal within the trachea, allowing air to escape around the tube during positive pressure ventilation. This can result from cuff damage, improper cuff inflation, tube migration, or tracheal dilation. Clinical signs include audible air leak, decreased delivered tidal volumes, inability to maintain PEEP, and potential aspiration risk. Cuff leaks compromise ventilation effectiveness and increase infection risk. Assessment involves checking cuff pressure, listening for audible leaks, and monitoring ventilator parameters. Treatment may require cuff pressure adjustment, tube repositioning, or tube replacement depending on the underlying cause and severity of the leak.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguished from ventilator circuit leaks which occur external to the patient's airway.
In Context
- "The respiratory therapist detected an endotracheal tube cuff leak during routine ventilator checks, evidenced by audible air escape." — Shift assessment note
- "Persistent cuff leak despite maximum safe cuff pressure necessitated endotracheal tube replacement." — Procedure documentation