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Complications of long tracheostomy tubes
Critical Care Medicine
|September 1, 1976
Summary
Long tracheostomy tubes can cause serious complications like airway obstruction and lung collapse. Frequent monitoring of tracheostomy tube placement is crucial to prevent these adverse events, especially in patients with left lung atelectasis.
Area of Science:
- Medical devices
- Respiratory medicine
- Surgical complications
Background:
- Tracheostomy is a common procedure for airway management.
- Complications associated with tracheostomy tubes are not always fully recognized.
- The length of tracheostomy tubes can influence patient outcomes.
Observation:
- Three cases are presented where long tracheostomy tubes caused significant complications.
- The tubes impinged on the carina or intubated the right main-stem bronchus.
- This malposition led to atelectasis (lung collapse) of the left lung.
Findings:
- Longer tracheostomy tubes, often associated with larger diameters, increase the risk of carinal impingement or right main-stem bronchus intubation.
- This complication can result in left lung atelectasis.
- The risk is higher with larger diameter tubes due to their increased length.
Implications:
- Frequent checks of tracheostomy tube position are essential.
- Clinical vigilance is required, particularly in patients developing left lung atelectasis or pneumonia.
- Awareness of this complication can guide appropriate patient management and device selection.