Airway management in a child with complete tracheal transection following blunt laryngotracheal trauma.

Blunt injury to the neck following high-impact trauma can be associated with airway injury. The anaesthesiologist should have a high index of suspicion for the same when the patient presents for any surgical intervention for trauma. A complete evaluation of the tracheobronchial tree using a flexible bronchoscope is essential before instrumenting the airway in a child with suspected laryngotracheal trauma because blind intubation can convert a lesser grade airway trauma into a significant one. We report the airway management in a child belonging to middle childhood, who presented with complete tracheal transection after a blunt laryngotracheal trauma.

[Dynamic tracheal collapse in a wagyu calf with multiple rib fractures after dystocia]. / Ein dynamischer Trachealkollaps bei einem Wagyukalb mit multiplen Rippenfrakturen nach einer Schwergeburt.

A dynamic tracheal collapse caused by multiple rib fractures in a neonatal wagyu calf was diagnosed by radiography, endoscopy and computed tomography. Conservative treatment, consisting of the medical treatment of respiratory inflammation and the reduction of environmental and social stress was initiated. The respiratory signs improved significantly, and the calf was discharged. The condition deteriorated after several weeks without treatment, most likely due to of excessive callus formation of the fractured ribs causing increased reduction in tracheal diameter.

Tracheal tube introducer-associated airway trauma: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Tracheal tube introducers are recommended in airway management guidelines and are used increasingly as videolaryngoscopy becomes more widespread. This systematic review aimed to summarise the published literature concerning tracheal tube introducer-associated airway trauma. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were searched using pre-determined criteria. Two authors independently assessed search results and performed data extraction and risk of bias assessments. RESULTS: We included 16 randomised controlled trials and five observational studies involving 10,797 patients. There was heterogeneity in patient characteristics, airway manipulation, and airway trauma definition and measurement. One study investigated hyperangulated videolaryngoscopy. The standard stylet was the most commonly reported introducer, followed by bougie and stylets with additional features such as video or lighted tip. Airway trauma resulted in low harm and most frequently involved injuries to the upper airway, followed by laryngeal and tracheobronchial injuries. Eighteen studies were comparative and reported a reduction in airway trauma incidence when an introducer was used, with the exception of the standard stylet. Median (IQR [range]) pooled incidence of airway trauma associated with standard stylets was 13.1% (4.2-31.4 [0.5-79.2])% and with bougies was 5.4% (0.4-49.9 [0.0-68.0])%. The risk of bias of included studies was variable and many randomised trials were found to be at high risk due to non-robust measurement of the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Stylets might be associated with an increased risk of airway trauma compared with other devices or when no stylet was used, though the quality of evidence is modest. However, other introducers appear to be safe and reduce the risk of airway trauma.

Tracheal repair with sternocleidomastoid flap in mediastinoscopic surgery for esophageal cancer.

Tracheal injury during mediastinoscopic esophagectomy is a life-threatening complication that is challenging to manage. However, no precise treatment has been defined. An 80-year-old male patient with upper esophageal cancer underwent a mediastinoscopic esophagectomy and gastric tube reconstruction through the posterior mediastinal route. When the esophagus was separated from the trachea using a bipolar vessel sealing system, the left side of the membranous trachea incurred a 3-cm defect 7 cm below the sternal notch. We successfully repaired the tracheal injury not by directly suturing the defect but by reinforcing it with a pedicle sternocleidomastoid flap. The gastric tube was placed over the tracheal repair for esophageal reconstruction via a posterior mediastinal route. As a result, the patient recovered well and was discharged. A sternocleidomastoid flap might be another surgical option for reinforcement flaps in tracheal injuries.

[The clinical treatment of laryngotracheal rupture injury].

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of laryngotracheal rupture injury and management of related complications. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 10 patients with laryngotracheal rupture injury caused by trauma, admitted between October 2014 and October 2022. Results:Anti-shock treatment, local debridement, tracheal-cricoid cartilage or tracheal-tracheal anastomosis, laryngeal cartilage reduction and fixation, local transposition flaps repair and phase-Ⅱ airway reconstruction were performed respectively on 10 patients. Nine patients underwent operations of tracheal-cricoid cartilage or tracheal-tracheal anastomosis, with five of these were performed by cartilage broken reduction and fixation, placed with intraluminal stents of iodoform gauze fingerstalls for （8.2±1.6） days. Tracheal reconstruction surgery was performed on 2 cases during phase-Ⅱ and both were placed with T-shaped silicone tube to support for 3 months. Two cases required tracheoesophageal fistula surgical repair, and vocal cord suturing was conducted for three vocal fold injuries. Anti-shock treatment was given to one emergency case and closed thoracic drainage treatment was given to another one. We removed the tracheal cannula from 10 patients after surgery and one case was diagnosed with Ⅰ-level swallowing function of sub-water test. All cases recovered to take food per-orally. Conclusion:Maintenance of circulation and respiration functions is the major target during early treatment of laryngotracheal rupture. It should strive to complete the reconstruction of airway structure on phase-Ⅰ, among which end-to-end anastomosis to reconstruct airway and broken laryngeal cartilage reduction and fixation are the vital methods for airway structure reconstruction to achieve good results. It is suggested that the reconstruction of trachea and esophagus structures should be performed simultaneously to patients with tracheoesophageal fistula.

Case of tracheal rupture after endotracheal intubation: clinical risk management and medico-legal considerations.

Background: Tracheal injury may be a rare complication of the endotracheal intubation procedure. Incidence and determinant factors are not well known, nevertheless a greater incidence have been recognized with a difficult maneuver or the use of nitrogen peroxide. The therapeutic approach can be conservative or surgical, depending on the characteristics of the lesion and of the patient and therefore the outcomes of medico-legal interest can be different. Case description: It is a case of alleged medical liability regarding a 70-year-old woman, that during the intubation procedure was pouncing on the right. Furthermore, nitrous oxide was used as an anaesthetic. A few hours after the operation the patient showed swelling on the right half of the face and on the right lateral region of the neck. The emergency chest CT scan highlighted subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. In the operating room, fibrobronchoscopy was performed with a double-lumen bronchial tube which confirmed the hypotheses lesion; then, right posterolateral thoracotomy was perfor-med followed by suturing of the tracheal lesion. Subsequently, the patient was discharged in good clinical conditions but with a scar in the region of the right hemithorax. Conclusions: Iatrogenic tracheal injury is a rare and fearful complication of the orotracheal intubation procedure. Although risk factors that increase the probability of its onset have been recognized, in most cases it is not possible to identify the cause. From a medico-legal point of view, tracheal injury after intubation is unpredictable and inevitable, so in the case reported it was decided to proceed with a conciliatory solution.

Association between septic shock and tracheal injury score in intensive care unit patients with invasive ventilation: a prospective single-centre cohort study in China.

OBJECTIVES: There was no evidence regarding the relationship between septic shock and tracheal injury scores. Investigate whether septic shock was independently associated with tracheal injury scores in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with invasive ventilation. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Our study was conducted in a Class III hospital in Hebei province, China. PARTICIPANTS: Patients over 18 years of age admitted to the ICU between 31 May 2020 and 3 May 2022 with a tracheal tube and expected to be on the tube for more than 24 hours. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Tracheal injuries were evaluated by examining hyperaemia, ischaemia, ulcers and tracheal perforation by fiberoptic bronchoscope. Depending on the number of lesions, the lesions were further classified as moderate, severe or confluent. RESULTS: Among the 97 selected participants, the average age was 56.6±16.5 years, with approximately 64.9% being men. The results of adjusted linear regression showed that septic shock was associated with tracheal injury scores (ß: 2.99; 95% CI 0.70 to 5.29). Subgroup analysis revealed a stronger association with a duration of intubation ≥8 days (p=0.013). CONCLUSION: Patients with septic shock exhibit significantly higher tracheal injury scores compared with those without septic shock, suggesting that septic shock may serve as an independent risk factor for tracheal injury. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2000037842, registered 03 September 2020. Retrospectively registered, https://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=57011&htm=4.

Conservative Management of Large Post-Intubation Tracheal Laceration.

ABSTRACT: Tracheal rupture is a very rare but life-threatening complication of endotracheal intubation. It is more common in women and patients older than 50 years old. Overinflation of endotracheal tube cuff and tracheal wall weakening are the most important pathogenetic mechanisms. Laceration sites are located in the posterior membranous wall in most cases. Subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema and respiratory distress are the most common manifestations. A 55-year-old female presented with postoperative subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema without dyspnea because of a tear in the posterior tracheal wall. The diagnosis was based on clinical manifestation, chest computer tomography scans (CT), and endoscopic findings. A conservative approach by broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was decided because of patients' vital signs stability and the absence of esophageal injury. The follow-up showed that there was no lesion in the posterior tracheal wall. Our case showed that in clinically stable patients without mediastinitis and with spontaneous breathing, conservative management of tracheal tears is a safe procedure.

An Ovine Model Yields Histology and Gene Expression Changes Consistent with Laryngotracheal Stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: Animal models for laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) are critical to understand underlying mechanisms and study new therapies. Current animal models for LTS are limited by small airway sizes compared to human. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a novel, large animal ovine model for LTS. METHODS: Sheep underwent either bleomycin-coated polypropylene brush injury to the subglottis (n = 6) or airway stent placement (n = 2) via suspension microlaryngoscopy. Laryngotracheal complexes were harvested 4 weeks following injury or stent placement. For the airway injury group, biopsies (n = 3 at each site) were collected of tracheal scar and distal normal regions, and analyzed for fibrotic gene expression. Lamina propria (LP) thickness was compared between injured and normal areas of trachea. RESULTS: No mortality occurred in sheep undergoing airway injury or stent placement. There was no migration of tracheal stents. After protocol optimization, LP thickness was significantly increased in injured trachea (Sheep #3: 529.0 vs. 850.8 um; Sheep #4: 933.0 vs. 1693.2 um; Sheep #5: 743.7 vs. 1378.4 um; Sheep #6: 305.7 vs. 2257.6 um). A significant 62-fold, 20-fold, 16-fold, 16-fold, and 9-fold change of COL1, COL3, COL5, FN1, and TGFB1 was observed in injured scar specimen relative to unaffected airway, respectively. CONCLUSION: An ovine LTS model produces histologic and transcriptional changes consistent with fibrosis seen in human LTS. Airway stent placement in this model is safe and feasible. This large airway model is a reliable and reproducible method to assess the efficacy of novel LTS therapies prior to clinical translation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A Laryngoscope, 134:4239-4245, 2024.

Drug delivery systems for wound healing treatment of upper airway injury.

INTRODUCTION: Endotracheal intubation is a common procedure to maintain an open airway with risks for traumatic injury. Pathological changes resulting from intubation can cause upper airway complications, including vocal fold scarring, laryngotracheal stenosis, and granulomas and present with symptoms such as dysphonia, dysphagia, and dyspnea. Current intubation-related laryngotracheal injury treatment approaches lack standardized guidelines, relying on individual clinician experience, and surgical and medical interventions have limitations and carry risks. AREAS COVERED: The clinical and preclinical therapeutics for wound healing in the upper airway are described. This review discusses the current developments on local drug delivery systems in the upper airway utilizing particle-based delivery systems, including nanoparticles and microparticles, and bulk-based delivery systems, encompassing hydrogels and polymer-based approaches. EXPERT OPINION: Complex laryngotracheal diseases pose challenges for effective treatment, struggling due to the intricate anatomy, limited access, and recurrence. Symptomatic management often requires invasive surgical procedures or medications that are unable to achieve lasting effects. Recent advances in nanotechnology and biocompatible materials provide potential solutions, enabling precise drug delivery, personalization, and extended treatment efficacy. Combining these technologies could lead to groundbreaking treatments for upper airways diseases, significantly improving patients' quality of life. Research and innovation in this field are crucial for further advancements.

[Management of Tracheobronchial Injuries due to Brunt Trauma].

BACKGROUND: Tracheobronchial injuries resulting from blunt trauma are relatively rare among chest injuries. However, if these injuries are not managed properly, they can be fatal. The prognosis is intricately linked to the precise diagnosis and treatment. We herein report three cases of tracheobronchial trauma that required surgical intervention. Case 1:A 17-year-old male sustained injuries when his torso became entangled in heavy machinery. The diagnosis revealed a tear in the right main bronchus, which required transportation with left single- lung ventilation. The patient was treated by tracheobronchial reconstruction. Case 2:A 71-year-old male experienced trauma when his car collided with a utility pole. He was transported to the hospital after tracheal intubation due to a laceration of the tracheal membranous area. The site of the injury was closed with sutures. Case 3:A 17-year-old female who had been struck by a train suffered acute respiratory failure and was transported to the hospital after intubation. Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxgenation (VV-ECMO) was initiated in response to poor oxygenation. Complete rupture of the right middle bronchial trunk and laceration of the right main bronchial membrane were observed, and bronchoplasty was performed. CONCLUSION: A swift and accurate diagnosis, coupled with timely and judicious therapeutic interventions, play a pivotal role in managing tracheal and bronchial injuries.

Pedicled pericardial patch in tracheal reconstruction in children - Novel technique to provide vascularized tissue for salvaging difficult airways.

BACKGROUND: Management of large central airway defects are often complex. Children who present with these defects have multiple co-morbidities or have had previous surgeries. Surgical options include various tissue cover for these defects without longer term benefits. Vascularized autologous pericardial patch offers a better solution to these defects by providing vascularity and potential for remodelling in future. METHODS: 41 children (M:F of 24:17) were operated for large trachea-bronchial defects between January 2015 and August 2022. The median age of was 12 months with median weight of 8.9 kg (IQR 3.3 kg-17.7 kg) Causes leading to the central tracheal defect include failed repair of previous trachea-oesophageal fistula (TOF) (n = 21) and acquired fistula due to button battery injury (n = 11). Surgical repair consisted of autologous pedicled pericardial patch repair for the airway defect under cardiopulmonary bypass. RESULTS: There were two operative deaths related to extensive sepsis and necrosis of reconstructed trachea. Four children had further reoperation with additional patch. Bronchoscopy was used as surveillance in all these children, with use of airway stents (biodegradable stent) in 9 children. The median ventilation time was 8 days, with tracheostomy being needed in 5 for long term support. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous pericardial patch is a versatile technique and can be used to salvage large tracheal defects when other method have failed or not feasible. Tracheomalacia at the site of repair could be managed with biodegradable stents. Vascularity and ciliary function of the patch still needs to be evaluated.

Management of membranous tracheal rupture due to the endotracheal tube cuff during thyroid surgery.

Tracheobronchial ruptures can be extremely dramatic and life threatening and are encountered in approximately 5 out of 100,000 cases after orotracheal intubation. They can occur as a result of intubation, tracheostomy, and bronchoscopy. In this case report, we presented a 56-year-old female patient with a history of thyroid surgery 27 years prior who presented to our clinic with recurrent multinodular goiter. The patient underwent a complementary complication-free thyroidectomy assisted by intermittent intraoperative nerve monitoring. After hemostasis, final controls involving digital palpation of the possible remnants of the thyroid gland and a search for pathological lymph nodes in the central compartments, a mass structure with a rubbery consistency suspicious for residue thyroid tissue was palpated in both posterolateral aspects of the trachea, but more prominently in the left. The anesthesia team was asked to decrease the cuff pressure, assuming that the palpated mass could be the cuff of the endotracheal tube, and the mass was noted to shrink. The membranous tracheal rupture due to the endotracheal tube cuff was closed with sutures running superiorly, and a superiorly based strap muscle flap was placed over during thyroid surgery. The patient was discharged on day 7. A simple routine digital examination by the attending surgeon dealing with the thyroid surgery would contribute favorably to prognosis, as such a precaution would allow early repair in cases where such injuries occur.

Comparison of Mechanical Forces used in Open Tracheotomy versus Percutaneous Tracheotomy Techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the etiology of tracheotomy-induced tracheal stenosis by comparing the differences in techniques and mechanical force applied with open tracheotomy (OT) versus percutaneous tracheotomy (PCT) placement. METHODS: This study is an unblinded, experimental, randomized controlled study in an ex-vivo animal model. Simulated tracheostomies were performed on 10 porcine tracheas, 5 via a tracheal window technique (OT) and 5 using the Ciaglia technique (PCT). The applied weight during the simulated tracheostomy and the compression of the trachea were recorded at set times during the procedure. The applied weight during tracheostomy was used to calculate the tissue force in Newtons. Tracheal compression was measured by anterior-posterior distance compression and as percent change. RESULTS: Average forces for scalpel (OT) versus trocar (PCT) were 2.6 N and 12.5 N (p < 0.01), with the dilator (PCT) it was 22.02 N (p < 0.01). The tracheostomy placement with OT required an average force of 10.7 N versus 23.2 N (p < 0.01) with PCT. The average change in AP distance when using the scalpel versus trocar was 21%, and 44% (p < 0.01), with the dilator it was 75% (p < 0.01). The trach placement with OT versus PCT had an average AP distance change of 51% and 83% respectively (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that PCT required more force and caused more tracheal lumen compression when compared to the OT technique. Based on the increased force required for PCT, we suspect there could also be an increased risk for tracheal cartilage trauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 134:103-107, 2024.

[Tracheal rupture treated with robotic surgery: the importance of evidence-based practice in nursing management. A case report]. / Rottura tracheale trattata con chirurgia robotica: l'importanza dell'evidence-based practice nella gestione infermieristica. Un caso clinico.

. Tracheal rupture treated with robotic surgery: the importance of evidence-based practice in nursing management. A case report. Tracheal rupture is a very rare condition with high morbidity and mortality. While it has a multifactorial etiology, however it occurs most frequently after orotracheal intubation. The case of a 76-year-old woman who underwent out-of-hospital orotracheal intubation for severe respiratory failure due to a state of coma is described. The patient suddenly developed a subcutaneous emphysema extending from the chest to the skull due to tracheal laceration. The management of the case is described with special focus on nursing goals to prevent ventilator associated pneumonia and mediastinitis, avoid the endotracheal tube dislocation and further tracheal injuries. The case presented underlines the importance of a systematic recourse to evidence-based practice (EBP), which allowed to effectively manage a complex situation.