Abstract
Background Traumatic injury of the trachea is rare, especially complete transection. Its operative
revision requires an interdisciplinary approach.
Case Description We hereby present a rare case of complete transection of the trachea by accident.
To stabilize the patient and to allow for safe surgery, veno-venous extracorporeal
support was initiated via the subclavian artery and the femoral vein. The patient
was subsequently operated, and the trachea re-anastomosed with favorable outcome.
Conclusion This rare case of an accidental transection of the trachea shows the importance of
a good emergency rescue chain and the ability to facilitate interdisciplinary approaches
in tertiary hospitals.
Keywords
airway - extracorporeal life support - trachea - emergency room
