J Emerg Med

Piriform sinus perforation during Esophageal-Tracheal Combitube placement.

Richards CF.
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA.
The Esophageal-Tracheal Combitube is a new alternative airway device. Few complications of its use have been reported. This article reports a case of a 71-year-old female with angioedema of the tongue and airway obstruction who suffered piriform sinus rupture during Combitube placement by prehospital personnel, resulting in massive subcutaneous emphysema. Caution is required when using this device in all but the most controlled situations.