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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
04:43
Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications
Published on: March 15, 2024
[Intratracheal foreign body caused by a sheared endotracheal intubation stylet]
L Schaffranietz1, F Graz, A Tamke
1Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, KKH Delitzsch GmbH, 04509 Delitzsch. l.schaffranietz@kkh-delitzsch-gmbh.de
Der Anaesthesist
|December 17, 2009
Summary
A broken stylet during intubation created a tracheal obstruction. Bronchoscopy successfully removed both foreign body fragments, preventing serious complications.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Medical Device Safety
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Flexible endotracheal tubes are standard for airway management.
- Reusable stylets are commonly used to facilitate intubation.
- Material fatigue can compromise device integrity.
Observation:
- A foreign body was observed within the endotracheal tube post-intubation.
- A second foreign body was located near the tracheal bifurcation.
- Both fragments were successfully removed via bronchoscopy.
Findings:
- The retrieved foreign bodies were identified as fractured pieces of a plastic-sheathed stylet.
- Material fatigue was identified as the likely cause of the stylet fracture.
- The incident highlights a rare complication during orotracheal intubation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of device inspection before use.
- Awareness of potential material failure in reusable intubation aids is crucial.
- Prompt diagnosis and removal of airway foreign bodies are essential to prevent morbidity.
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