Cardiorespiratory arrest secondary to tracheostomy cuff herniation

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Surgery
• Intensive Care Medicine

Background:

• A 67-year-old male sustained multiple rib fractures after a fall, necessitating intubation and subsequent surgical tracheostomy.
• Postoperative management occurred in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Observation:

• The patient experienced sudden deterioration with signs of airway obstruction.
• Bronchoscopy revealed tracheostomy cuff herniation as the cause of the obstruction.

Findings:

• Tracheostomy cuff herniation is a rare but critical complication.
• The herniation necessitated urgent orotracheal reintubation.
• An unusual deformation of the tracheostomy cuff was observed upon inspection.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring for tracheostomy-related complications in critically ill patients.
• Recognition of unusual cuff deformation is crucial for diagnosing and managing airway obstruction.
• Prompt intervention, including reintubation, is vital for patient outcomes.