Endotracheal tube ignition by electrocautery during tracheostomy: case report with autopsy findings.
This case of upper airway tract fire resulting from the use of electrocautery during elective tracheostomy has significance for surgeons, anesthetists, and forensic pathologists alike. The major autopsy findings are described and illustrated. Suggestions that may help to prevent or minimize the risk of fire in this context are reviewed.
Lew
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Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Mittleman
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Murray
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D000368:Aged; D002059:Burns, Inhalation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004825:Epiglottis / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D007830:Larynx / Q000473:pathology; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D014132:Trachea / Q000473:pathology; D014139:Tracheostomy