Naslov
Iatrogenic Tracheal Laceration Causing Asphyxia

Autori
Pažanin, Leo ; Bekavac Mišak, Vilka ; Goreta, Nedjeljka ; Mareković, Zvonimir ; Petrovečki, Vedrana

Izvornik
Journal of forensic sciences (0022-1198) 53 (2008), 5; 1185-1187

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, stručni

Ključne riječi
forensic science; asphyxia; tracheal occlusion; intratracheal intubation

Sažetak
Endotracheal intubation is a simple, rapid, and safe technique that is being used as a standard procedure for airway management. However, airwaay injury during endotraceheal intubation could be a significant source of morbidity or even mortality for patients and a source of liability for physicians as well. We report an unusual case of fatal tracheal occlusion by intraluminal blood clot complicating endotracheal intubation. The patient, a 62-year-old woman, with renovascular hypertension and incipient renal failure was scheduled for renal autotransplantation. The surgery was uneventful but the postoperative course was complicated with a lethal airway obstruction. At autopsy a linear longitudinal tracheal laceration was identified with an intraluminal blood clot obstructing the tracheal lumen. Tracheal laceration as a cause of death is a rare and potentially fatal complication of endotracheal intubation with intratracheal bleeding, clot formation, tracheal occlusion, and subsequent asphyxia.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Temeljne medicinske znanosti, Kliničke medicinske znanosti

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