A rare case of nonresterilized reinforced ETT obstruction caused by a structural defect: A case report.

RATIONALE: Various factors can cause ventilatory failure after endotracheal tube (ETT) intubation, which is associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality.

PATIENT CONCERNS: A 76-year-old woman who was diagnosed with a hemopericardium and suspicion of a major-vessel injury due to dislocation of the clavicular fracture fixation screw.

DIAGNOSIS: Non-resterilized reinforced ETT obstruction caused by a structural defect.

INTERVENTION: Endotracheal tube was exchanged.

OUTCOMES: The ventilator profile showed rapid improvement.

LESSONS: Anesthesiologists should consider that a non-resterilized reinforced ETT may be defective. An ETT defect can cause high PIP and ETT obstruction without kinking or foreign materials.