A can’t ventilate, can’t intubate and can’t do tracheostomy situation

Abstract

Difficult airway scenarios may result in significant morbidity and mortality and require prompt intervention. American Society of Anesthesiologists¹ and Difficult Airway Society of UK have published guidelines for the management of difficult airway and both end in the management of can’t intubate can’t ventilate (CICV) situation. We present an unusual case of a collapsed anterior wall of trachea resulting in a situation of “can’t intubate, can’t ventilate and can’t do tracheostomy”. A desperate use of a rigid bronchoscope resulted in successful intubation by lifting the collapsed tracheal rings and saved the patient.

Citation: Goudar VK, Kurdi MS. A can’t ventilate, can’t intubate and can’t do tracheostomy situation. Anaesth Pain & Intensive Care 2015;19(1):68-70