Abstract: A system for characterizing an inflatable cuff, arranged around a tracheal tube for providing patient breathing support, includes at least one flow unit, such as a pump, in fluid connection with a cuff conduit connected to the cuff, to fill the cuff with gas or liquid. At least one pressure sensor measures pressure in the cuff. At least one flow sensor measures a flow of gas or liquid to and/or from the cuff. A processing unit estimates the volume or a change of volume in the cuff based on flow measurements. The processing unit is configured to: extract a pressure-volume relationship between the measured pressure and the estimated volume or a change of the volume in the cuff, and compare the pressure-volume relationship against a previously measured or a predetermined reference pressure-volume relationship to characterize the inflatable cuff. A method for characterizing such an inflatable cuff is also provided.

Abstract: A method for the management of secretions in an intubated patient by means of an endotracheal tube to which an inflatable cuff is externally associated, includes the steps of inflating the inflatable cuff for isolating the broncho-pulmonary zone of the patient from the external environment, generating a succession of overpressures inside the endotracheal tube in order to induce breathing in the patient, and a step of deflating the inflatable cuff during the generation of one of the overpressures in order to permit a drainage of the secretions generated by the patient along the trachea towards the outside.