A Case Report of Airway Obstruction by Reinforced Endotracheal Tube during Surgery / 대한마취과학회지

ABSTRACT

A 47-yr old female patient with spinal stenosis was intubated with a 7.0 mm reinforced endotracheal tube (ETT) for inhalation anesthesia. Then she was turned to prone position for operation. As soon as the operation began, signs of partial ETT obstruction were appeared. We examined the ETT and trachea with a fiberoptic bronchoscope and then found that the bevel of the ETT was partially obstructed by the tracheal wall. After the pass of the bronchoscope through the partially obstructed ETT bevel, obstruction signs were relieved and operation was continued. About 6 hours later, the signs of complete ETT obstruction were reappeared. We reevaluated with a bronchoscope, and found that the bevel of the ETT was completely obstructed against the tracheal wall. Advancing the ETT through the trachea to the carina alleviated the airway obstruction.