Selective fiberoptic left main-stem intubation for severe unilateral barotrauma in a 24-week premature infant.

Abstract

A 24-week premature infant developed severe right-sided pulmonary barotrauma secondary to mechanical ventilation for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). High-frequency oscillatory ventilation and permissive hypercapnia were initiated. A chest tube was placed to relieve a pneumothorax, and a catheter was inserted into an air-filled cyst for drainage. These maneuvers failed to improve the child's respiratory status. The child's left main-stem bronchus was then successfully fiberoptically intubated for single-lung ventilation in order to reduce the unilateral barotrauma. Single-lung ventilation was effectively and safely continued for 5 days, with complete resolution of the pulmonary barotrauma.

• Authors: Michael T Meyer, Tom B Rice, John C Glaspey
• Journal: Pediatric pulmonology (Pediatr Pulmonol) Vol. 33 Issue 3 Pg. 227-31 (Mar 2002) ISSN: 8755-6863 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11836804 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Topics

• Barotrauma (etiology, therapy)
• Bronchoscopy
• Female
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Infant, Premature
• Infant, Very Low Birth Weight
• Intubation, Intratracheal (methods)
• Respiration, Artificial (adverse effects)
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn (therapy)
• Treatment Outcome