Unstable endobronchial intubation in a cat undergoing tracheal laceration repair

Iatrogenic tracheal rent in a Clydesdale colt

“…In one study, most tracheal tears were noted after dental prophylaxis procedures (Mitchell and others 2000, Bhandal and Kuzma 2008). Tracheal rents during dentistry are thought to be due to over-inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff, moving the patient while intubated and connected to the anaesthesia machine and excessive manipulation of the endotracheal tube during the procedure (Mitchell and others 2000). Over-inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff may result in decreased tracheal mucosal blood flow and subsequent tracheal pressure necrosis, which could lead to tracheal rupture.…”

“…Over-inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff may result in decreased tracheal mucosal blood flow and subsequent tracheal pressure necrosis, which could lead to tracheal rupture. Iatrogenic tracheal rents are also thought to occur with inappropriate use of an endotracheal stylet (Mitchell and others 2000, Bhandal and Kuzma 2008). No stylet was used in the case presented here.…”

Trachea and bronchus

“…Endoscopic guidance has been used for precise distal placement of an endotracheal tube in a case involving a carinal tear. 44 Tracheal surgery is considered to be contaminated and prophylactic antibiotics should be administered prior to the start of surgery. During the surgical procedure, the anesthetist and the surgeon work together to maintain the airway, using sterile endotracheal tubes (or smaller tubes and catheters) passed into the distal airway, as needed.…”

“…1,[40][41][42][43][44] The majority of reported injuries are associated with dental procedures and appear to be secondary to endotracheal tube cuff over-inflation. Most ruptures occur at the thoracic inlet, the site at which the endotracheal tube cuff is routinely placed.…”

“…1,[41][42][43][44] Clinical signs were noted four hours to 14 days after the anesthetic episode. Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum were present in 28/29 cases in which thoracic radiographs were obtained (see Fig.…”