Delayed obstruction of endotracheal tubes by aspirated foreign bodies: report of two cases

Ann Emerg Med. 2004 May;43(5):630-3. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2003.11.018.

Abstract

We present 2 cases of endotracheal tube obstruction as a result of previously aspirated foreign bodies that moved from the bronchial tree into the endotracheal tube. The signs of endotracheal tube obstruction were demonstrated in both cases: (1) activation of the high-pressure alarm; (2) difficulty ventilating by using a bag-valve-mask device; (3) rapid decrease of end-tidal CO2; (4) oxygen desaturation that may have lagged behind the decrease of end-tidal CO2; and (5) the inability to advance a catheter down the endotracheal tube. The differential diagnosis of endotracheal tube obstruction is discussed, as are possible interventions to remove the obstruction and secure an open airway.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Airway Obstruction / diagnosis
  • Airway Obstruction / etiology*
  • Airway Obstruction / therapy
  • Bronchi*
  • Carbon Monoxide / analysis
  • Chewing Gum
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Foreign Bodies / complications*
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / adverse effects
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / instrumentation*
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Tooth

Substances

  • Chewing Gum
  • Carbon Monoxide