Elsevier

Clinics in Chest Medicine

Volume 24, Issue 3, September 2003, Pages 457-471
Clinics in Chest Medicine

Long-term complications of artificial airways

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-5231(03)00048-0Get rights and content

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Pathophsyiology

Long-term complications of artificial airways may occur as a result of the events surrounding the placement of the device itself, as a result of its prolonged residence in the airway, or as a result of events resulting in abnormal healing of the injured airway mucosa [1].

Specific considerations regarding the placement of an artificial airway include the conditions surrounding airway placement, the anatomical and physiological features of the patient, and characteristics related to the device

Long-term complications of endotracheal intubation

One of the earliest reports of prolonged endotracheal intubation was by MacEwen in 1880. It wasn't until the last 50 years, however, that more studies were performed investigating the long-term complications. These include hoarseness, sore throat, sinusitis, arytenoid dislocation, vocal cord paralysis, and laryngotracheal injury (Box 1). Overall the reported incidence of these complications ranges from 0% to 75%, illustrating the difficulty in categorizing these morbidities. Many studies

Long-term complications of tracheotomy

Tracheotomy is being used more frequently, especially in the critical care setting [124], [125]. Benefits include alleviating airway obstruction, improved secretion management, prevention of aspiration in an unprotected airway, and providing positive pressure ventilation.

Complications associated with long-term tracheotomy have ranged widely, with some studies reported an incidence of 65% [125], [126]. These complications are particularly difficult to quantify because many patients are

Summary

In summary, long-term complications of artificial airways are rare but important sequelae of artificial airways. Many of the potential long-term complications of translaryngeal intubation and tracheotomy are similar and overlapping. Although most patients who undergo these procedures tend to tolerate them without difficulties, significant morbidity and mortality may occur. Identifying the exact cause of the complication may not be possible at times, due to the multiple risk factors involved in

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