Avoid Tracheal Rupture: Treat The Trachea With Respect
Tracheal rupture is a rare intubation injury associated with stylet trauma & over-inflation. This article discusses predispositions and prevention. Read More …
Category: complications of intubation
Bilateral Tension Pneumothorax: Harder To Diagnose
Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening emergency. This article discusses several iatrogenic bilateral tension pneumothoraces occurring during intubation and emergency airway management. Read More …
PostObstructive Pulmonary Edema
Patients with postobstructive pulmonary edema (or P.O.P.E.) develop sudden, unexpected and potentially life-threatening pulmonary edema after relief of airway obstruction. It can be mild or severe. My first experience with it was in 1983. The Case In 1983, we didn’t have pulse oximetry, end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring or even automated Read More …
Airway Emergency: Start With The Basics of Airway Management
A case of “can’t intubate- can’t ventilate is discussed which illustrates the importance of always using good techniques of basic airway management. Read More …
Finding PEEP In a Bottle (of Water): Thinking Outside The Box
As you read this I am flying to Honduras with International Relief Team on a head and neck surgery medical mission. I will attempt to post mission updates from the hospital compound, pending internet connections. Participating in a medical mission to the developing world is never easy.
Medical personnel trained in a high tech environment take for granted the complex monitoring devices, multiple choices of drugs, and plentiful support peronnel which simplify our job. When medical volunteers travel to the developing world they are often unprepared for the potential hazards produced by outdated technology, unfamiliar and sometimes poorly maintained equipment, poor sanitation, limited supplies, and a malnourished, often poorly educated population.
Let me give you an example of one rather exciting case from early in my volunteer experience in which I had to reinvent PEEP using some suction tubing and an irrigation bottle filled with water.
Read More …
Intubation With Airway Bleeding and Massive Emesis
During intubation, any liquid in the mouth that obscures the view of larynx not only hinders visualization, it risks aspiration. We’re used to being able to rapidly suction the mouth clear or secretions, blood, or vomit and then have a clear view of the larynx. But sometimes, either because of continued profuse bleeding or massive emesis, fluid continues to accumulate while we’re watching. How can you manage this situation and successfully intubate? This article discusses two prior cases and offers suggestions on intubation when massive emesis or blood interfere with visualization. Read More …
To Extubate, Or Not to Extubate, That Is The Question
Deciding when to extubate a patient safely can sometimes be a difficult decision. Removal of an endotracheal tube when you are not sure of the diagnosis is a risk not to be taken lightly. This case discusses assessing extubation criteria in the face of ambiguous respiratory symptoms. Read More …
Tongue Necrosis From Endotracheal Tube Compression
Tongue necrosis from compression by an endotracheal tube or oral airway is a rare, but devastating complications when it occurs. It can occur with poor endotracheal tube positioning, flexed head and neck positioning, impaired blood flow, and shock. It is important to familiarize ourselves with this entity so that we as anesthesia providers can minimize the risks.
Read More …