Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2025

The Rigid Tube as an Alternative in Controlling the Problematic Airway
Published on: June 6, 2020
Case Report- Prevention strategies for permanent tracheostomy tube migration into the left main bronchus in
Said Khallikane1,2, Amine Bentahar3,4, Monsif Salek3,4
1Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, 40000, Morocco.
Abstract:
Tracheostomy tube migration is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. We present the case of a 66-year-old male with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dual-chamber pacemaker implantation for chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy, and supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma. The patient developed respiratory distress due to intrabronchial migration of the tracheostomy tube. Initial evaluation revealed significant respiratory effort, inspiratory stridor, and an absent tube at the stoma site. Imaging and bronchoscopy confirmed the tube's presence in the left main bronchus with associated mucosal inflammation. The patient underwent bronchoscopic-guided tube removal and successful repositioning of a cuffed tracheostomy tube under spontaneous ventilation anaesthesia. Following stabilization, he was discharged with plans for a permanent tracheostomy. Tracheostomy tube migration presents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, particularly given the scarcity of studies involving adults with this complication. This case highlights the importance of early recognition, prompt imaging-especially bronchoscopy-and tailored management strategies, while emphasizing the active involvement of the patient and family in the care pathway. It also underscores the necessity for vigilant monitoring to prevent severe, potentially fatal, complications.
Related Concept Videos
Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask...
Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of...
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...

