Bronchi

Bronchial Tear

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Bronchial Tear, Bronchial Laceration, Tracheal Laceration, Tracheal Tear

  • Signs
  1. Hemoptysis
  2. Subcutaneous Emphysema
  3. Tension Pneumothorax
    1. Large, persistent air leak
  • Imaging
  1. Chest XRay (may show irregular mediastinum)
  2. Chest CT
  • Diagnostics
  1. Esophogram
  2. Bronchoscopy
  3. Arteriogram
  • Associated Conditions
  1. Esophageal Injury
  2. Carotid Artery Injury
  3. Jugular Vein Injury
  • Precautions
  1. Tracheobronchial injury is associated with very high mortality
  2. Typical injury occurs within 1 inch of the carina
  3. Surgical airway management is critical
  • Management
  1. Anticipate difficult airway management
  2. Emergent surgical intervention