Delayed obstruction of endotracheal tubes by aspirated foreign bodies: report of two cases.
We present 2 cases of endotracheal tube obstruction as a result of previously aspirated foreign bodies that moved from the bronchial tree into the endotracheal tube. The signs of endotracheal tube obstruction were demonstrated in both cases: (1) activation of the high-pressure alarm; (2) difficulty ventilating by using a bag-valve-mask device; (3) rapid decrease of end-tidal CO2; (4) oxygen desaturation that may have lagged behind the decrease of end-tidal CO2; and (5) the inability to advance a catheter down the endotracheal tube. The differential diagnosis of endotracheal tube obstruction is discussed, as are possible interventions to remove the obstruction and secure an open airway.
Shlamovitz
Gil Zvi
GZ
Department of Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, USA. gilshla@netvision.net.il
Halpern
Pinchas
P
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D001980:Bronchi; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000032:analysis; D002638:Chewing Gum; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D014070:Tooth
D002638:Chewing Gum; D002248:Carbon Monoxide