title: Fractured metallic tracheostomy tube: A rare complication of tracheostomy.
abstract: Although tracheostomy is a well-accepted procedure for airway management, some early and late complications may occur. Fracture of the tracheostomy tube (TT) is a rare complication, particularly in a patient with long-term use. Herein we report a case of fractured metallic TT migrating into the tracheobronchial tree. Rigid bronchoscopy was performed through the tracheostomy stoma and the fractured tube was successfully removed by a balloon catheter. Appropriate cleaning, routine careful examination, and scheduled replacement of the TT may help prevent this complication.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand; Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital, Khonkaen University, Thailand.
authors.forename: Apichart
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: So-Ngern
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand.
authors.forename: Viboon
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Boonsarngsuk
keywords: Balloon catheter; Bronchoscopy; TT, tracheostomy tube; Tracheostomy; Tracheostomy tube