Open AccessFatal airway obstruction following arterial trauma during internal jugular venous cannulation
Author(s) -
Aparna Williams,
Ashu Sara Mathai,
Gaurav Bhatia,
John Abraham
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
indian journal of critical care medicine/indian journal of critical care medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.317
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 1998-359X
pISSN - 0972-5229
DOI - 10.4103/0972-5229.76085
Subject(s) - medicine , airway obstruction , internal jugular vein , airway , intensive care unit , complication , surgery , anesthesia , intensive care medicine
Central venous cannulations are commonly performed in the intensive care unit. However, these may be associated with severe mechanical or bleeding complications. Here, we describe a patient who died following severe and rapid airway obstruction secondary to an arterial trauma during internal jugular vein cannulation. This case report highlights the importance of prompt recognition of arterial trauma so that it can be repaired surgically instead of sheath removal. The prompt diagnosis of an impending airway obstruction and obtaining early airway access cannot be overemphasized. Finally, we discuss the risk factors associated with this complication and what we could have possibly done to prevent this outcome.