Massive Subcutaneous Emphysema and Bilateral Tension Pneumothoraces After Supplemental Oxygen Delivery via an Airway Exchange Catheter: A Case Report.
A patient suffered massive subcutaneous emphysema and bilateral tension pneumothoraces after receiving supplemental oxygen through an airway exchange catheter (AEC). Complications of AEC placement include misplacement, direct injury to the larynx, bronchi or lung, barotrauma related to oxygen supplementation, and a loss of airway. We review these complications and discuss the specific risks of supplementing oxygen using an AEC. We suggest measures to limit pressure from the oxygen source and warn against advancing an AEC too far into the tracheobronchial tree.
From the Department of Anesthesiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Abraham H
AH
Hulst
Hans J
HJ
Avis
Markus W
MW
Hollmann
Markus F
MF
Stevens
D002404:Catheterization; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*
D010100:Oxygen