The Application of a Novel Non-Invasive Respiratory Monitor (ExSpiron) in the Extubation of a Patient With Persistent Upper Airway Swelling

Abstract

A 45-year-old female s/p right-sided cerebropontine angle tumor resection had a post-operative course which was complicated by severe sub-lingual swelling and required urgent post-operative intubation. Due to pharyngeal swelling, intubation failed with a Glidescope requiring a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) facilitated fiberoptic-Aintree exchange. When the patient was extubated 3 days later, monitoring for respiratory deterioration was necessary to avoid the morbidity of urgent re-intubation. The ExSpiron was utilized for 2.5 hours following extubation, displaying her tidal volume, respiratory rate and minute ventilation. Following extubation, the patients neuroscience intensive care unit course was uneventful.




J Med Cases. 2014;5(7):388-391
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc1796w