Use of cuffed tracheal tubes in neonates, infants and children: A practice survey of members of the Society of Pediatric Anesthesia

Abstract Study Objective This study aimed to characterize the current practice patterns with cuffed tracheal tubes (CTT) in neonates, infants, and children among members of the Society of Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA). Design and setting An electronic mail survey was distributed using Survey Monkey to members of SPA between December 2013 and February 2014. Each member was permitted one response. Patients/Intervention/Measurements Not applicable as this is a practice survey study. Main results A total of 805 (28%) of the 2901 members of the SPA responded. Of the respondents, 88% were from the US, 83% were fellowship trained, 82% practiced pediatric anesthesia >50% of the time, and 65% practiced in academic centers. Eighty-five percent used CTT >50% of the time in children >2 years and 60% used CTT in full-term neonates >50% of the time. Twenty-nine percent reported always using CTT whereas 5% reported never using CTT. Those in practice 20 years, not fellowship trained or in private practice ( P P = .0003 and P = .0005, respectively). The most common reason for avoiding CTT was concern about post-extubation stridor (39%). Almost 70% of respondents accept the TT if it passes the subglottis without resistance and has a leak at 15 to 20 cmH 2 O. More than 60% of respondents do not monitor cuff pressures in CTT. Conclusion A majority of SPA members routinely use CTT in neonates, infants and children.