Delayed Recognition of a Cuff-Level Tracheal Rupture After Double-Lumen Endotracheal Tube Intubation for Thoracic Surgery: A Case Report

Background

Double-lumen endotracheal tubes (DLTs) are widely used to facilitate one-lung ventilation during thoracic surgery and are generally considered safe. However, tracheobronchial rupture is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. Injuries occurring at the tracheal cuff level may initially remain clinically occult because the inflated cuff can obscure the injured area during bronchoscopic examination.