[A case of "ventilation difficulty-intubation difficulty" solved with transtracheal jet ventilation]

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Anesthesiology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Post-glossectomy and radical neck dissection patients are at risk for severe airway complications.
• Oral bleeding and hematoma formation can rapidly compromise the airway.

Observation:

• A 56-year-old male developed severe oral bleeding, tracheal deviation, and cyanosis post-surgery.
• Failed awake orotracheal intubation necessitated an alternative airway management strategy.

Findings:

• Transtracheal jet ventilation (TTJV) was successfully employed as a temporary measure.
• TTJV provided effective ventilation and oxygenation, stabilizing the patient.

Implications:

• TTJV is a valuable, underutilized technique for managing impossible intubations in emergencies.
• This method can be crucial for maintaining gas exchange while securing a definitive airway.