Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications
04:43

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications

Published on: March 15, 2024

Tracheotomy-related posterior tracheal wall rupture, trans-tracheal repair

A Deganello1, M C Sofra, F Facciolo

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy. adeganello@hotmail.com

Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica : Organo Ufficiale Della Societa Italiana Di Otorinolaringologia E Chirurgia Cervico-Facciale
|January 18, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Tracheal lacerations are rare complications of airway procedures. A novel technique successfully repaired a posterior tracheal wall laceration using the existing tracheotomy opening, offering a minimally invasive approach.

Area of Science:

  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Surgical Complications
  • Airway Management

Background:

  • Lacerations of the tracheo-bronchial tree are infrequent but serious complications.
  • These injuries can arise from various airway interventions, including intubation and tracheotomy.
  • Posterior tracheal wall lacerations specifically present unique surgical challenges.

Observation:

  • A 76-year-old male developed a 6 cm posterior tracheal wall laceration post-tracheotomy.
  • The laceration extended from 1.5 cm below the tracheotomy site to 2 cm above the carina.
  • The injury was diagnosed and treated immediately following a head and neck operation.

Findings:

  • A successful repair was achieved using a thoracoscopic needle-holder and PDS 4/0 interrupted sutures.
  • The closure was performed in a distal-to-proximal direction through the existing tracheotomy opening.
  • This approach leveraged the pre-existing airway access for repair.

Implications:

  • Tracheotomy-related tracheal tears can be effectively managed through the existing surgical access.
  • Utilizing the tracheotomy site for repair minimizes the need for additional surgical incisions.
  • This technique offers a potentially less invasive and efficient method for managing posterior tracheal wall lacerations.

More Related Videos

Seeding and Implantation of a Biosynthetic Tissue-engineered Tracheal Graft in a Mouse Model09:57

Seeding and Implantation of a Biosynthetic Tissue-engineered Tracheal Graft in a Mouse Model

Published on: April 1, 2019

Murine Intrapulmonary Tracheal Transplantation: A Model for Investigating Obliterative Airway Disease After Lung Transplantation06:15

Murine Intrapulmonary Tracheal Transplantation: A Model for Investigating Obliterative Airway Disease After Lung Transplantation

Published on: November 10, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes01:28

Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening into the trachea, typically at the second or third cartilaginous ring level. This opening allows the insertion of a tracheostomy tube, which can replace an endotracheal tube, provide mechanical ventilation, bypass an upper airway obstruction, or remove accumulated tracheobronchial secretions.
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
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...
Tracheostomy Decannulation01:21

Tracheostomy Decannulation

Tracheostomy decannulation is a significant milestone in the liberation of mechanically ventilated patients. Despite its importance, there is no universally accepted protocol for this procedure. This demands an evidence-based, individualized approach.
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece01:23

Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece

Oxygen delivery is critical in clinical care, especially for patients with respiratory disorders or those undergoing surgical procedures. Various systems, such as tracheostomy and the T-piece, deliver oxygen to the lungs, ensuring adequate arterial oxygenation.
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-I

A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps01:16

Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps

A tracheostomy is a surgical technique that involves making an incision in the neck to provide access to the trachea. It is frequently used in medical conditions such as airway obstruction and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Effective nursing management is crucial for the long-term success of a tracheostomy.
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes: