Medicine
Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure Management to Prevent Injury
Quick fact
Tracheal capillary pressure is about 30 cm H₂O. Cuff pressures above this can obstruct blood flow, leading to ischemia within 15 minutes and permanent damage in hours.
Why this is interesting
Imagine a balloon inflated inside your windpipe. If it's too tight, it can cut off blood flow—but if it's too loose, air leaks out. How do doctors balance this?