Successful Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in a Morbidly Obese Patient with Airway Obstruction 10 Days After Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy is often performed in patients requiring prolonged ventilatory support. Tracheostomy tube obstruction caused either by blood clots, mucous plugs, tube malposition and tissue granulation can lead to life-threatening complications. The risk of such complications is markedly increased in morbidly obese individuals. Here we report an incident in an 81-year-old, morbidly obese, male patient who sustained airway obstruction which resulted in cardiac arrest 10 days after tracheostomy. A 17-cm 10-ng blood clot in a tracheobronchial configuration was found to cause the obstruction. It was removed and the patient recovered after resuscitation. The etiology of the obstruction, specific management, and recommendations are discussed.