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Piriform sinus perforation during Esophageal-Tracheal Combitube placement
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|February 24, 1998
Summary
The Esophageal-Tracheal Combitube, an airway device, can cause rare but severe complications like piriform sinus rupture and subcutaneous emphysema, particularly in patients with airway obstruction. Careful use is advised.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Airway Management
Background:
- The Esophageal-Tracheal Combitube is an alternative airway device used in prehospital settings.
- Complications associated with its use are infrequently reported.
Observation:
- A case of a 71-year-old female with tongue angioedema and airway obstruction is presented.
- Piriform sinus rupture occurred during Combitube placement by prehospital personnel.
Findings:
- Massive subcutaneous emphysema developed as a result of the piriform sinus rupture.
- This complication highlights a potential risk of the Esophageal-Tracheal Combitube.
Implications:
- Extreme caution is necessary when using the Esophageal-Tracheal Combitube, especially in non-ideal or uncontrolled situations.
- This case underscores the importance of careful technique and patient selection for advanced airway devices.