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Anaesthetic management of tracheobronchial rupture following blunt chest trauma
K Naghibi1, S L Hashemi, P Sajedi
1Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Insights
Severe chest trauma can cause life-threatening tracheobronchial injuries. Emergency jet ventilation via thoracotomy successfully restored oxygenation in a 16-year-old with complete bronchial disruption after a motor vehicle accident.
Area of Science:
- Trauma surgery
- Thoracic surgery
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Tracheobronchial tree injuries are rare but life-threatening complications of severe blunt chest trauma.
- Complete disruption of both bronchi is an exceptionally unusual and critical injury.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old male sustained complete disruption of both bronchi following a motor vehicle accident.
- Post-induction of general anesthesia and oral intubation, mechanical ventilation failed, leading to critical hypoxemia (SpO2 < 60%).
Findings:
- Emergency thoracotomy allowed for the insertion of two intrabronchial catheters for jet ventilation.
- This intervention rapidly improved oxygen saturation from 60% to 100%, enabling subsequent surgical repair.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical role of immediate, alternative ventilation strategies in managing catastrophic tracheobronchial injuries.
- Effective anesthetic management, including emergency jet ventilation, is crucial for successful surgical outcomes in these patients.
Abstract:
Injuries to the tracheobronchial tree are a well-recognized sequel of massive blunt trauma to the chest, and although unusual, are life threatening. We report a 16-year-old-boy who developed complete disruption of both bronchi after a motor vehicle accident. After induction of general anaesthesia and oral intubation, ventilation could not be maintained, and oxygenation worsened abruptly with peripheral oxygen saturation values less than 60%. Jet ventilation through two intrabronchial catheters, inserted via emergency thoracotomy, raised the saturation from 60% to 100%, and surgery thereafter was straightforward. The anaesthetic management of tracheobronchial repair is discussed.
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