Iatrogenic tracheal injury in an infant due to endotracheal intubation: Beware of the stylets

Abstract

Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is a common intervention performed in a pediatric emergency. The pediatric laryngeal anatomy creates a challenge and requires an expertise for this procedure. Tracheal injury is a rare but serious complication that can occur during ETI. The stylet, if used improperly, can lead to this life-threatening complication. Here, we present a case of tracheal injury in an infant that happened during ETI with stylet use.

Keywords

• endotracheal intubation
• stylets
• tracheal injury