Percutaneous tracheostomy: A guide wire complication

Abstract

We report an unusual complication of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy, in which the guide wire became lodged in the bronchial tree. The assistance of an expert bronchoscopist resulted in successful removal of a fractured J wire with no adverse sequelae for the patient. A subsequent incident has given insight into the mechanism of damage to the guide wire. © The Board of Management and Trustees of the British Journal of Anaesthesia 2004.