Use of cryoprobe for removal of a large tracheobronchial foreign body during flexible bronchoscopy

Abstract

Foreign body (FB) inhalation in the tracheobronchial tree is an infrequently encountered event in adults. The diagnosis is suspected in the presence of a clinical history of aspiration and the presence of respiratory symptoms. Management involves confirmation by flexible bronchoscopy, which may be both diagnostic as well as therapeutic. However, in certain situations including those with large FB, FB embedded in granulation tissue or FB with very smooth margins, rigid bronchoscopy may be superior to flexible bronchoscopy in the retrieval of the FB. An alternative to rigid bronchoscopy in such situations may be the use of a cryoprobe. Herein, we describe a patient with a large tracheobronchial FB causing a complete collapse of the left lung and hypoxemia. The FB was successfully extracted using a cryoprobe during flexible bronchoscopy, obviating the need for rigid bronchoscopy.

Ex-aspirated: A Case of Dental Product Aspiration With Retrieval Methodology and Current Review

“…Third, we attempted to use a push-device multiprong snare, which is often helpful with large foreign bodies [ 9 ]. Additionally, cryotherapy can be used to freeze the FB to allow for quick and easy removal [ 10 ].…”

Endobronchial dental prosthesis retrieval by a snare technique using a flexible bronchoscope and fluoroscopy: Two case reports and technical tips

“…All of these involved dental prostheses with some features in common, namely, the dental prostheses were rigid and had irregular surfaces or protruding portions, which made them suitable for the snare technique. However, FBs without features such as a smooth surface or organic material require another technique [4].…”

Retrieval of a tracheobronchial blood clot with a Yankauer suction catheter in complete airway obstruction

“…The obstructing clot may act in a ball-valve mechanism to cause selective expiratory obstruction, which may precipitate as tension pneumothorax or may lead to complete airway obstruction with subsequent hemodynamic collapse and even mortality [ 1 ]. The alternative options include tracheal suction, cryoprobe, forceps, fibrinolytic agents, or embolectomy catheter [ 1 - 4 ]. In this patient, such a sequence precipitated as a life-threatening situation.…”