title: Intraoperatively Diagnosed Tracheal Tear after Using an NIM EMG ETT with Previously Undiagnosed Tracheomalacia.
abstract: Tracheal rupture is a rare complication of endotracheal intubation. We present a case of tracheal rupture that was diagnosed intraoperatively after the use of an NIM EMG endotracheal tube. A 66-year-old female with a recurrent multinodular goiter was scheduled for total thyroidectomy. Induction of anesthesia was uncomplicated. Intubation was atraumatic using a 6 mm NIM EMG endotracheal tube (ETT). Approximately 90 minutes into the surgery, a tracheal tear was suspected. After confirming the diagnosis, conservative treatment with antibiotic coverage was favored. The patient made a full recovery with no complications. Diagnosis of the tracheal tear was made intraoperatively, prompting early management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, New York Methodist Hospital, 506 6th street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA.
authors.forename: Minal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Joshi
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mardakh
authors.forename: Joel
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yarmush
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kamath
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schianodicola
authors.forename: Ernesto
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mendoza