[The problems of deaths by bolus aspiration ("cafe-coronary") (author's transl)]

Twentyseven fatal cases of suffocation by swallowing a bolus were analysed under different aspects. An attempt is made to interpret the functional disturbances which precede death, the causes for disturbance of swallowing and subsequent fatal reflex effects. The problems of judging the situation by the medical expert is discussed. Finally recommended therapeutic measures are critically evaluated to answer the question whether timely and adequate remedies truly exist.