Tracheal rupture following the insertion of a disposable double-lumen endotracheal tube

Abstract

Risk factors associated with tracheobronchial rupture include inexperienced endoscopists, intubating stylets, multiple vigorous attempts at intubation, tracheal abnormalities, overdistension of tracheal or bronchial cuffs with high pressure, low-volume cuffs, and old age. We recently anesthetized a patient, in whom none of these factors were present, who sustained a tracheal rupture following an 'atraumatic' endotracheal intubation with a disposable, left-sided double-lumen tube.