title: Successful Surgical Management of Airway Perforation in Preterm Infants.
abstract: Traumatic airway perforation during endotracheal intubation is an uncommon but life-threatening complication in preterm infants. Death usually occurs at the time of the injury, but in rare cases where the infant survives the initial resuscitation, therapeutic options include conservative versus surgical management. We describe three cases of airway perforation treated successfully with surgical intervention and without lung resection, utilizing novel graft material and cardiopulmonary bypass to facilitate repair. In preterm infants who survive the initial injury we advocate for early identification and surgical management with cardiopulmonary bypass when feasible.
authors.affiliation: Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA 80045.
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gien
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Children's Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA 80045.
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Ing
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Children's Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA 80045.
authors.forename: Mark D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Twite
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA 80045.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA 80045.
authors.forename: Max
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.affiliation: Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA 80045.
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Kinsella
keywords: Endotracheal Tube; Iatrogenic Airway Perforation; Preterm Infants