Summary
A 4 month‐old male infant underwent cannulation of the right internal jugular vein as part of anaesthetic management for elective surgery. Postoperatively he developed acute stridor requiring re‐intubation via a rigid bronchoscope. Examination of airway structures showed gross distortion of the peri‐laryngeal structures. We believe that this airway complication occured as a result of fluid and drug extravasation from the central venous catheter.