Partial Obstruction of the Endotracheal Tube by a Part of the Metallic Stylet; Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Endotracheal intubation is common in the emergency department, intensive care units, and operating rooms. It involves the insertion of an endotracheal tube (ETT) through the mouth or nose into the trachea to maintain a patent airway and facilitate mechanical ventilation. Using a stylet during intubation can guide the ETT through the vocal cords. However, complications can arise when the stylet is not removed after successful intubation. Herewith, we reported a patient who was two years old and suffered from respiratory failure. However, in the first 12 hours, we observed a foreign body in the trachea, a small end of a metal stylet immediately removed by bronchoscope. This case demonstrates that multiple uses of a stylet, especially by a single user, can result in impaction of the stylet in the ETT during intubation, requiring force when the stylet is withdrawn after intubation, which can result in breakage, shearing, and retention of the stylet or plastic sheath in the lumen of the ETT.

Keywords:

• stylet
• foreign body
• Saudi Arabia

Abbreviations

ETT, Endotracheal tube; O2, oxygen; Co2, carbon dioxide.

Ethical Cosideration

We confirming that written informed consent has been provided by the parents to have the case details and accompanying images published. The IRB from University of Bisha, college of medicine was approved the case for publication after revised the informed consent.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, execution, acquisition of data, and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

No conflict of interest was reported.