title: Tracheal tube cuff perforation during ventriculoatrial shunt procedure.
abstract: We report a case of tracheal and endotracheal tube cuff perforation that occurred intraoperatively during a ventriculoatrial shunting procedure for a patient with normal pressure hydrocephalus. Unusual tracheal anatomy and technique were contributory factors. Use of noninvasive imaging devices to guide the intraoperative placement of catheters may avoid many of the complications related to anatomy, skill, and technique. The method of diagnosis, prevention, and management is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA.
authors.forename: Pavithra
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ranganathan
authors.forename: Jung T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Igor
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Muntyan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000379:methods*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000601:surgery; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011859:Radiography; D014132:Trachea / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*