Near total intrathoracic airway obstruction managed with a Tritube® and flow-controlled ventilation.

We describe the management of a case of near total airway obstruction in a 79-year-old man who presented with a 2-week history of increasing shortness of breath and stridor. Computed tomography imaging revealed a mid-tracheal mass of unknown aetiology with critical airway obstruction. We secured the patient's airway using a TriTube® (Ventinova, Eindhoven, the Netherlands). While this facilitated a secure airway past the lesion, various issues were encountered which complicated the safe conduct of anaesthesia. We conclude that while the TriTube and Evone® flow-controlled ventilation (Ventinova) are useful for critical airway obstruction, they can be problematic and thorough planning is essential.