Removal of a laryngeal foreign body using high frequency jet ventilation

Aspiration of a foreign body into the respiratory tract is a common and serious accident in childhood. Laryngotracheal foreign bodies, although less common than bronchial foreign bodies, are potentially more dangerous. Removal is commonly achieved using a rigid ventilating bronchoscope. We report a 16-month-old boy who had an open safety pin impacted in his larynx. This was removed through a tracheostomy, using high frequency jet ventilation to maintain gaseous exchange. We believe that this is the first case in which this method of removal has been reported.