Choice of cuff inflation medium during nitrous oxide anaesthesia

Air, saline and a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen were used to inflate the cuffs of tracheal tubes inserted into three groups of patients, during nitrous oxide anaesthesia. Large increases in intracuff pressure were seen in the air group, but no morbidity resulted. The intracuff pressure decreased in the gas mix group and leaks occurred in some patients. Initial adjustment of cuff pressure was more difficult in the saline group but the pressure remained stable thereafter.