Intraoperative airway obstruction caused by dissection of the internal wall of a reinforced endotracheal tube: A case report

ABSTRACT

Endotracheal intubation is the gold standard for airway management in general anesthesia. However, airway patency is not guaranteed by keeping the endotracheal tube (ETT) in place. Sometimes, the ETT itself may become a cause of airway obstruction; there are some reports on airway obstruction related to reinforced tube malfunction. We report a rare case with an obstruction of reinforced endotracheal tubes caused by dissection of the internal wall. Recognition of the possibility of airway obstruction due to a rare cause and monitoring patients vigilantly during anesthesia is very important for patient safety.