“Stuck”: Removal of Embedded Distal Airway Foreign Bodies

Abstract

Objective: 1) Describe a novel technique for removal of embedded distal airway foreign bodies. 2) Apply the proximal endoscopic balloon dilation technique for removal of embedded distal airway foreign bodies in 2 patients. 3) Discuss the evolution, operative considerations, and future applications of the technique

Method: Report of 2 cases in 2011. Condition studied: Embedded, symptomatic distal airway foreign bodies. Subjects studied: Pediatric airway patients. Setting: Tertiary care pediatric hospital. Intervention: Rigid bronchoscopy with endoscopic balloon dilation of the proximal bronchial segment to facilitate access to the foreign body. Outcomes: Successful foreign body removal.

Results: Case 1: A 23-month-old patient with recurrent pneumonia. Rigid bronchoscopy showed a cashew piece in the distal airway with proximal edema preventing removal. Dilation of the proximal bronchial segment with a Fogarty catheter allowed for access and removal with optical forceps. Case 2: Two-year-old unrestrained passenger in a motor vehicle accident with tooth aspiration causing intermittent respiratory distress. At bronchoscopy, the tooth was in the distal airway and embedded in granulation tissue which prevented removal. A Fogarty catheter was used to dilate the bronchial segment proximal to the foreign body which was then removed with optical forceps.

Conclusion: Embedded airway foreign bodies are associated with edema and granulation tissue which may prevent removal due to proximal airway narrowing. We present a novel technique using a Fogarty balloon catheter to dilate the airway proximal to the foreign body. This allows for removal of otherwise stuck distal airway foreign bodies.