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Updated: Oct 7, 2025

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications
Published on: March 15, 2024
Tracheal tube misplacement in the thoracic cavity: A case report
Ke-Xin Li1, Yu-Ting Luo1, Leng Zhou1
1Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China.
Background:
Penetrating neck injuries require prompt recognition, diagnosis and management of critical airways. This case demonstrates an emergent situation that a "medical negligence" was avoided with the aid of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) waveform.
Case Summary:
We report a case of malposition of the endotracheal tube into the right hemithoracic cavity for cervical knife trauma, resulting in pneumothorax. Tube placement was not confirmed during emergency airway management, and the patient was directly transferred to the emergency operation room. Assisted by ETCO2 and imaging examinations, the anesthetist timely noticed the absence of ETCO2 waveform and resolved this urgent situation before anesthesia induction.
Conclusion:
This case emphasizes the necessity of ETCO2 waveform and/or X-ray confirmation of endotracheal intubation even in emergent situations.
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