[Severe injury of the tracheal bifurcation]

The authors demonstrate a rare case of serious rupture in the area of the tracheal bifurcation with incomplete rupture of both bronchi which occurred after a severe multiple injury. The authors describe the difficult surgical solution, using temporary selective intubation of both main bronchi across the surgical field. The imperfect success of jet ventilation is ascribed to severe pulmonary contusion and major haemorrhage from the trachea which increased the risk of barotrauma. The authors emphasize the importance of peroperative and postoperative bronchoscopy.