Inadvertent strangulation of inflation line of the pilot balloon during submental endotracheal intubation: a rare complication.

Abstract

Submental intubation is the preferred type of intubation in patients with complex maxillofacial fractures where oral or nasal intubation cannot be performed. It is also less invasive than tracheostomy in securing the airways. We report a case where an inadvertent strangulation of inflation line of the pilot balloon resulted in inadequate ventilation during submental intubation.