Tracheal Transection—A Novel Airway Management

Abstract

Background Traumatic injury of the trachea is rare, especially complete transection. Its operative revision requires an interdisciplinary approach. Case Description We hereby present a rare case of complete transection of the trachea by accident. To stabilize the patient and to allow for safe surgery, veno-venous extracorporeal support was initiated via the subclavian artery and the femoral vein. The patient was subsequently operated, and the trachea re-anastomosed with favorable outcome. Conclusion This rare case of an accidental transection of the trachea shows the importance of a good emergency rescue chain and the ability to facilitate interdisciplinary approaches in tertiary hospitals.

Keywords

• airway
• extracorporeal life support
• trachea
• emergency room