Jet ventilation for the extraction of endobronchial foreing body in a patient with drained pneumothorax: A case report☆

Abstract Introduction Even though foreign body aspiration (FBA) is rare in adult patients, they sometimes require the performance of rigid bronchoscopy for its extraction. Ventilation for this procedure is challenging, especially in patients with pulmonary disease. Clinical, diagnostic evaluation and interventions We described the case of a 71-year old man who presented with a FBA in the left upper lobe associated with a controlateral pneumothorax. After the placement of a pleural drainage, the foreign body was extracted, using rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia and high flow jet ventilation with no further hemodynamic or pulmonary complications, suggesting that this technique is safe in patients with pulmonary leaks. Conclusion In the case described, rigid bronchoscopy minimized the risk of aspiration of blood and detritus due to continuous flow of gas upward, and avoided the increase of the air leak through the pneumothorax thank to limited airway pressures, making it a clear indication.