[Clinical Case: Micro-drainage of subcutaneous emphysema Grade V through a fenestrated peripheral venous catheter in critical ill].

BACKGROUND

Approximately 30% of surgical procedures in the United States require orotracheal intubation. Generally laryngeal and tracheal injuries are rare. However, when they do occur, they can lead to major complications. Subcutaneous emphysema is the most common clinical presentation and is mostly treated conservatively and self-limiting. However, when it is Grade V, control strategies should be considered. There are reports in the literature on micro-drainage of subcutaneous emphysema through a fenestrated peripheral venous catheter with satisfactory results.

CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a 69-year-old diabetic man with hypertension and a history of pulmonary thromboembolism. He presented with a Grade II tracheal injury and Grade V subcutaneous emphysema. Micro-drainage of subcutaneous emphysema was performed through a size 14 peripheral venous catheter with fenestration, with adequate results.

CONCLUSIONS

The peripheral venous catheter for microdrainage is a minimally invasive option for the treatment of grade V subcutaneous emphysema associated with tracheal injury. It can be a conservative strategy and, in some cases, can avoid the need for major interventions.