Near total intrathoracic airway obstruction managed with a Tritube® and flow‐controlled ventilation

Summary We describe the management of a case of near total airway obstruction in a 79‐year‐old man who presented with a two‐week history of increasing shortness of breath and stridor. Computed tomography imaging revealed a mid‐tracheal mass of unknown aetiology with critical airway obstruction. We secured the patient’s airway using a Tritube® (Ventinova, Eindhoven, the Netherlands). While this facilitated a secure airway past the lesion, various issues were encountered which complicated the safe conduct of anaesthesia. We conclude that while the Tritube, used in conjunction with a proprietary flow‐controlled ventilation system (Evone®, Ventinova Eindhoven, the Netherlands) are useful for critical airway obstruction, they can be problematic and thorough planning is essential.