Transtracheal oxygen catheters in a pediatric population.
This is the first report to evaluate transtracheal oxygen catheter (TTOC) use in a pediatric patient series. Seven pediatric patients (4 boys and 3 girls) received TTOCs in 2 tertiary care medical centers. The medical indications included bronchopulmonary dysplasia in 4 patients and tracheomalacia in the other 3. The average age at the time of placement was 22 months (range, 2 weeks to 37 months). Catheter placement for 4 patients was through an open tracheotomy stoma. In 3, placement was through a percutaneous technique. The follow-up ranged from 2 weeks to 5 years. There were no long-term complications. Transient needs for supplemental oxygen were all met by the TTOC system. In 4 patients, the catheter has been removed because of resolution of the supplemental oxygen requirements. Minor complications included skin site infection and mucus plugging. In 1 patient, accidental dislodging of the catheter led to its replacement in the operating room. In 1 percutaneous placement, a pneumothorax occurred and resolved without any persistent morbidity. We conclude that transtracheal oxygen delivery can be a reasonable alternative to a nasal cannula or formal tracheotomy in selected pediatric patients in whom long-term oxygen delivery, but not an alternate airway, is required. In order to avoid complications, meticulous technique must be adhered to in using the percutaneous approach for placement.
Preciado
Diego A
DA
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA.
Thatcher
Gentry
G
Panitch
Howard B
HB
Rimell
Frank L
FL
D000367:Age Factors; D001997:Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / Q000628:therapy; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013997:Time Factors; D014132:Trachea; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D014140:Tracheotomy
D010100:Oxygen