The British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery
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Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg · Aug 1999
Case ReportsPercutaneous dilatational tracheostomy under ultrasound guidance.
Diagnostic ultrasound may be used to assess the suitability of patients for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) in the intensive care unit (ICU). It may identify patients unsuitable for PDT, prevent puncture of aberrant vessels, estimate the distance from the surface of the skin to the trachea, and ensure accurate placement of the needle in the trachea. We conclude that diagnostic ultrasound permits careful evaluation of patients for whom PDT is being considered, and adds to the safety of the procedure.
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Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg · Apr 1999
Case ReportsElectrocautery-ignited endotracheal tube fire: case report.
The risk of fire in the airway associated with laser surgery is well known, but there are reports of endotracheal tube fires ignited by electrocautery, particularly during pharyngeal surgery or tracheostomy or both. This uncommon complication has potentially devastating consequences. Surgeons undertaking these procedures should be aware of this complication and be familiar with measures to avoid them. We present a case report of an electrocautery-ignited endotracheal tube fire during an elective tracheostomy, which resulted in the patient's death.