Ulcerous tracheitis and mucus ball formation: a nearly fatal complication of a transtracheal oxygen catheter.

A transtracheal oxygen catheter may be superior to a nasal cannula. In particular, transtracheal oxygen therapy (TTOT) shows a 50% saving of oxygen consumption, a significant reduction of energy cost of breathing, and an improved patient compliance due to esthetic benefits and avoidance of mucosal injury by a nasal cannula. Most complications so far reported have been of minor clinical importance and could be treated easily. However, using the SCOOP technique, a serious complication has recently occurred in 1 of our patients. Soon after starting TTOT with a SCOOP-1 catheter he developed an ulcerous tracheitis and a severe tracheal obstruction by a mucus ball. To prevent further respiratory emergencies TTOT finally was stopped and the catheter replaced again by a nasal cannula. There is evidence that tracheal injury as well as the formation of mucus balls may be promoted by regular brushing the preliminary SCOOP-1 catheter which usually is left in place during the first weeks. As a result of this harmful experience, we recommend to reconsider carefully the indication for TTOT in patients with copious bronchial secretions and to avoid cleaning of the SCOOP-1 catheter with the rigid wire brush.