Tzu Chi Medical Journal
Volume 20, Issue 3 , Pages 227-231, September 2008

Tracheal Rupture After Emergent Endotracheal Intubation

  • Yin-Lung Chang

      Affiliations

    • Department of Anesthesiology, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Nai-Chuan Chien

      Affiliations

    • Department of Thoracic Surgery, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Szu-Yi Hsu

      Affiliations

    • Department of Anesthesiology, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Yu-Yung Lai

      Affiliations

    • Department of Anesthesiology, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Department of Anesthesiology, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital, 2, Min-Sheng Road, Dalin, Chiayi, Taiwan

Received 8 October 2007; received in revised form 22 October 2007; accepted 31 October 2007.

Article Outline

Abstract 

Tracheal rupture after endotracheal intubation is a rare but serious complication. Its causes remain unclear but many physicians believe that weakness of the membranous trachea in patients with chronic illness is a leading factor. We present three patients who developed membranous tracheal rupture after emergent endotracheal intubation. Based on our experience and a review of the relevant literature, we emphasize selection of a correctly sized endotracheal tube to minimize the risk of rupture. Use of a smaller endotracheal tube in the emergent setting, especially for patients at potential risk of rupture due to steroid use or chronic illness, is highly recommended.

Keywords:  Emergency , Intubation , Rupture , Tracheal

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References 

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PII: S1016-3190(08)60042-7

doi:10.1016/S1016-3190(08)60042-7

Tzu Chi Medical Journal
Volume 20, Issue 3 , Pages 227-231, September 2008

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