Tracheobronchial Trauma Associated With Airway Management in Neonates

Airway management procedures are an integral part of caring for the newborn infant with respiratory compromise. Concomitant with these interventions are iatrogenic consequences that result in varying degrees of trauma to the tracheobronchial tree. Common interventions such as intubation, mechanical ventilation, use of heated and humidified gases, and endotracheal suctioning are discussed using research-based literature that evaluates the injury to the trachea and the mucociliary transport system.