Complications of Transtracheal Aspiration

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Abstract
NUMEROUS studies have documented the value of transtracheal aspiration in determining the etiology of pneumonia, and all have stressed its safety.1 2 3 However, at the time the technic was introduced it was suggested that with widespread use more morbidity and "even some deaths" might well occur.4 This report describes three patients in whom serious complications of transtracheal aspiration were encountered, and calls attention to a morbid potential of this technic that has not been emphasized sufficiently.Case ReportsCase 1. A 63-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was admitted to the hospital with respiratory distress due to pneumonia. Physical examination . . .