Tension Pneumothorax and Contralateral Presumed Pneumothorax From Endobronchial Intubation via Cricothyroidotomy

摘要

Cricothyroidotomy can be a life-saving procedurenfor the “can’t intubate, can’t ventilate” patient whonhas upper-airway obstruction. The procedure is usuallynfast and easy to do; however, complications havenbeen reported. We report two cases in which cricothyroidotomynwith an endotracheal tube led to unrecognizednendobronchial intubation, ipsilateral tensionnpneumothorax, contralateral presumed pneumothorax,nand unnecessary emergency surgery. Additionally,nthese led to the triad of hypotension, hypoxemia,nand, probably, elevated intracranial pressure, whichnCHEST / 118 / 6 / DECEMBER, 2000 1833ncan worsen cerebral injury. We discuss methods tonavoid these complications.