Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

A Structured Approach to Extubation in Mechanically Ventilated Rats
Published on: July 18, 2025
An Unusual Cause of Extubation Failure: Surgical Fixation of the Endotracheal Tube With a Suture-A Case Report
Cengiz Sahutoglu1, Esin Uzunoglu Ozdagli, Asuman Sargin
1From the Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.
Abstract:
Technical difficulties encountered during endotracheal tube (ETT) extubation are rare but can precipitate catastrophic airway complications. We present the case of a 3-month-old male infant weighing 5.4 kg who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for a bronchogenic cyst excision. Following the procedure, initial attempts at extubation failed. Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) identified that the ETT had been inadvertently sutured to the tracheal wall. Since this Vicryl suture also secured the surgical repair, extubation was delayed to avoid disrupting the anastomosis. On postoperative day three, the suture was safely transected from within the trachea using laser-assisted FOB. This case suggests that a post-procedural FOB examination could be a valuable tool for evaluating patency and anastomotic stability in selected high-risk airway reconstructions. It also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary communication and vigilance between surgical and anesthesia teams during complex thoracic procedures.
Related Concept Videos
Endotracheal Tube Extubation
Procedure
Extubation removes the endotracheal tube (ETT) from the patient on mechanical ventilation. It requires a well-coordinated, multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Endotracheal Intubation I: Procedure
The ET tube comprises various components, including a standard adaptor to attach a bag-valve-mask (BVM) or ventilator, a cuff, a pilot balloon, and radiopaque markings along its length to measure the insertion distance. The tube sizes...
Endotracheal Intubation II: Nursing Management
1. Nursing Care of Patients Before Intubation
Before the endotracheal intubation procedure, nurses play an essential role in ensuring the process goes smoothly. The nurses must be familiar with intubation...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Tracheostomy Decannulation
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...

