Pneumomediastinum, Pneumothorax, Pneumoperitoneum, and Subcutaneous Emphysema Complicating Extubation of a Difficult Airway Using an Airway Exchange Catheter: Is Oxygen Insufflation Innocent?: A Case Report.

Airway exchange catheter is a valuable tool where an airway is anticipated to be difficult to reintubate. We report a case of subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, and pneumothorax after extubation using an exchange catheter. There was an iatrogenic tracheal tear during airway management that filled the connected spaces with oxygen insufflation through the catheter.