Removal of an aspirated tooth from the bronchus using a cryoprobe: A case report

In this report, we demonstrate the efficacy of a cryoprobe in removing airway foreign bodies caused by dental aspiration in an older patient. AbstractAn 88-year-old bedridden man with Alzheimer's disease developed fever and hypoxaemia. Chest radiography showed obstructive pneumonia caused by a foreign body in the airway. Examination using a flexible bronchoscope revealed a silver-crowned molar, thought to have fallen out due to root caries, at the left lower lobe branch. Removal of the foreign body was unsuccessful with grasping or basket forceps, but successful with cryoadhesion using a cryoprobe. Removal of an airway foreign body by a cryoprobe depends on the nature of the foreign body, namely its water content. Therefore, cryoprobes are not inherently suitable for removing foreign bodies of aspirated teeth, but a tooth covered with mucus for a long time after aspiration can be cryoadhered with cryoprobes. Airway foreign bodies that remain in the airway for a long time should also be considered for removal by cryoprobe, regardless of the water content of the material.

Source: Respirology Case Reports - November 25, 2021 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Hiroshi Ishimoto, Noriho Sakamoto, Sakiko Moriyama, Mayako Murata, Nana Nakada, Atsuko Hara, Takashi Kido, Hiroyuki Yamaguchi, Kazuko Yamamoto, Yasushi Obase, Yuji Ishimatsu, Hiroshi Mukae Tags: CASE REPORT Source Type: research