Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Design of a Biocompatible Drug-Eluting Tracheal Stent in Mice with Laryngotracheal Stenosis
08:26

Design of a Biocompatible Drug-Eluting Tracheal Stent in Mice with Laryngotracheal Stenosis

Published on: January 21, 2020

Recurrent life-threatening bradycardia in a child with retained tracheal stent

Chung-Hau Juan1, Chi-Chun Chu, Wen-Kei Chang

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei-Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Paediatric Anaesthesia
|February 24, 2005
PubMed

Insights

A child experienced refractory bradycardia and cardiac arrest during tracheal stent removal. Arrhythmias recurred after tracheal suction or coughing, necessitating intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Anesthesiology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Tracheal stents are used to maintain airway patency in pediatric patients.
  • Welded tracheal stents can pose challenges during removal.
  • Cardiac complications during airway procedures are a concern.

Observation:

  • A pediatric patient with a retained welded tracheal stent developed severe bradycardia and cardiac arrest during attempted removal.
  • The patient required cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including cardiac massage and pacing, to restore circulation.
  • Similar arrhythmias recurred in the postanesthetic care unit following tracheal suctioning and coughing.

Findings:

  • The removal of a retained welded tracheal stent can precipitate life-threatening bradycardia and cardiac arrest.
  • Tracheal stimulation, such as suctioning or coughing, can trigger recurrent arrhythmias in susceptible patients.
  • This case highlights a potential, severe complication associated with welded tracheal stent management.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should be vigilant for cardiac events during and after tracheal stent removal.
  • Consideration of alternative stent designs or removal techniques may be warranted.
  • Further research into the mechanisms of cardiac complications related to tracheal stents is needed.

More Related Videos

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation11:19

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation

Published on: January 17, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Trachea01:22

Trachea

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a vital part of the human respiratory system. It serves as a passageway for air to travel between the larynx and the bronchi, allowing oxygen to reach the lungs. Let's explore its anatomical features, dimensions, layers of the tracheal wall, associated muscles, and the functions of its parts.
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...
Decreased pulse rate01:14

Decreased pulse rate

Bradycardia is a medical condition in which the heart rate is slower than normal. It occurs when the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinus node, generates slower electrical impulses than the standard rhythm. In adults, bradycardia is diagnosed when the pulse rate falls below 60 beats per minute, indicating a deviation from the normal heart rate range.
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with bradycardia...
Endotracheal Tube Extubation01:24

Endotracheal Tube Extubation

Endotracheal tube extubation is a critical procedure in weaning patients from mechanical ventilation. It involves physically removing the oral or nasal endotracheal (ET) tube, marking the final step in liberating a patient from ventilatory support.
Procedure
Extubation removes the endotracheal tube (ETT) from the patient on mechanical ventilation. It requires a well-coordinated, multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques01:30

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

Airway management is essential in emergency and surgical medicine, ensuring ventilation and oxygenation in patients who cannot maintain their own airway. Clinicians use a range of techniques and devices to secure the airway, depending on the patient’s condition and the clinical context. Key methods include endotracheal intubation, rapid sequence intubation (RSI), supraglottic airway devices, and advanced visualization aids. In cases where these approaches fail, surgical airway interventions are...
Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure01:23

Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure

Tracheostomy suctioning is a vital nursing procedure that involves removing secretions from the tracheostomy tube to maintain airway patency and prevent respiratory complications. Nurses need to understand the proper technique for tracheostomy suctioning to ensure patient safety and comfort. In this guide, we will outline the step-by-step process for performing tracheostomy suctioning, including preparing the sterile field, donning personal protective equipment (PPE), lubricating and connecting...
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen01:16

Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen

Oxygen therapy is a pivotal aspect of medical care, particularly for patients with respiratory ailments. Two prominent oxygen-delivering systems include the Venturi mask and the transtracheal oxygen catheter.
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...