Cardiorespiratory arrest secondary to tracheostomy cuff herniation

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Aug 29:2013:bcr2013200304. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-200304.

Abstract

This report details the case of a 67-year-old man who required intubation following a fall and multiple rib fractures and underwent surgical tracheostomy. Postoperatively, he deteriorated on the intensive care unit with airway obstruction. Bronchoscopy demonstrated tracheostomy cuff herniation obstructing airflow necessitating conventional orotracheal reintubation. On inspection of the tracheostomy an unusual cuff deformation was noted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Equipment Failure
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Heart Arrest / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Tracheostomy / adverse effects*
  • Tracheostomy / instrumentation