What is the purpose of the cuff on an endotracheal tube?

The purpose of the cuff on an endotracheal tube is primarily to create a seal within the trachea. When the cuff is inflated after the tube is inserted, it expands against the tracheal wall, preventing air from escaping around the tube. This seal is crucial for several reasons: it ensures effective ventilation by allowing positive pressure to be applied during mechanical ventilation, protects the airway from aspiration by preventing secretions or gastric contents from entering the lungs, and helps maintain consistent expiratory volumes.

Creating this seal is essential in managing a patient's airway, especially during surgical procedures or in cases of respiratory distress, where complete control over ventilation is necessary. The cuff's design typically allows for a secure fit, while also being adjustable to accommodate the required pressure without compromising the trachea's integrity.