Leemann B, Heidegger T, Grossenbacher R, Schnider T, Gerig HJ. A Severe Complication After Laser-Induced Damage to a Transtracheal Catheter During Endoscopic Laryngeal Microsurgery.
Anesth Analg 2004;
98:1807-1808. [PMID:
15155353 DOI:
10.1213/01.ane.0000117144.16826.61]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED
Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax is a rare and severe complication of percutaneous transtracheal jet ventilation, usually caused by obstruction of the upper airway or displacement of the tracheal catheter. Nevertheless, it is our preferred technique for endoscopic laryngeal laser surgery. We report a patient with acute subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax during laser surgery, caused by unobserved laser damage and discuss the associated risk factors.
IMPLICATIONS
The percutaneous transtracheal jet ventilation for elective laryngeal laser surgery reduces the risk of airway fires and gives a free endoscopic operative field. This case report suggests that, even when using a teflon catheter, laser-induced damage with severe complications might occur.
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