Bronchial Blocker Entrapment in a 7-Month-Old Infant: A Case Report
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Published on: January 17, 2011
T Wesley Templeton1, John K Petty2, Cameron J Sutton1
1From the Departments of Anesthesiology.
Insights
A bronchial blocker became entrapped during infant lung isolation surgery. Surgeons recommend specific positioning and retraction techniques to prevent this rare but serious complication during airway procedures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Anesthesiology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Lung isolation is crucial for thoracic surgery, especially in infants.
- Bronchial blockers are commonly used for lung isolation.
- Complications with bronchial blockers can impact patient safety.
Abstract:
We present the case of a 7-month-old infant undergoing thoracotomy and left lower lobe lobectomy who experienced a significant complication related to lung isolation with a bronchial blocker. Despite good isolation and seemingly appropriate positioning, the bronchial blocker became entrapped within the staple line at the bronchial stump. Fortunately, the surgeon was able to free the blocker. Going forward, we recommend clinicians be vigilant in positioning the blocker just distal to the carina in all cases and, further, consider retracting the blocker into the trachea before surgical intervention on the airway to avoid inadvertent entrapment of the device.
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