Cardiac arrest after percutaneous tracheostomy

Abstract

Background: Percutaneous tracheostomy (PCT) is a blind surgical procedure that has a risk of producing tracheal and adjacent tissues injury with possible subsequent complications. Case presentation: This case report describes a case of posterior tracheal wall injury during PCT, which led to a series of complications, namely mediastinal emphysema, compromised mediastinal pleura, and right tension pneumothorax. Conclusions: Cardiac arrest, tension pneumothorax and emphysema may be encountered during PCT even with use of bronchoscopy. Adequate local anesthesia and appropriate sedation are essential to prevent injuries caused by unwanted movements.

Keywords

• Cardiac arrest
• Percutaneous tracheostomy
• Resuscitation
• Tension pneumothorax
• Mediastinal emphysema
• Subcutaneous emphysema