title: Tracheal rupture from incorrect positioning of endotracheal tube.
abstract: Significant ischaemic tracheal damage from endotracheal intubation is uncommon when the lateral wall pressure exerted by the cuff does not exceed the mean capillary perfusion pressure of the mucosa. This is facilitated by the modern endotracheal tubes with high-volume-low-pressure cuffs. We report a case of tracheal rupture due to an incorrectly positioned softcuffed tube. The need to review tube position radiologically and to make immediate adjustment cannot be overemphasised.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Nethersole Hospital, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: L Y
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Yam
authors.forename: Y P
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Tai
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D004659:Enbucrilate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D011859:Radiography; D012421:Rupture; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D014132:Trachea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D004659:Enbucrilate