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Updated: May 1, 2026

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications
Published on: March 15, 2024
A case of death caused by tracheal tube aspiration
Alireza Mirkheshti1, Morteza Jabbary Moghadam1, Mohamad Shahab Kalantar1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Introduction:
Airway management, especially outside the operating room, needs meticulous observation in order to avoid certain risks, such as; endotracheal tube (ETT) disloca-tion, esophageal intubation, and unwanted extubation. ETT or tracheostomy dislocation is responsible for one-half of death or brain damage cases in the ICU. Despite appropri-ate fixation of an ETT, the previously mentioned compli-cations can still occur . A broken ETT and consequent airway obstruction may lead to lethal complications.
Case Presentation:
We report a case of death caused by tracheal tube aspiration, where it was located distal to the vocal cords, with a part of it entering the right bronchus and the mediastinum, after tearing the right bronchus.
Discussion:
The vigilance and experience of medical personnel in the ICU, appropriate IV sedation, and using a bite block are the best ways to prevent mortality caused by aspiration of an ETT in all intubated patients.
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