The Hennepin double tube technique: A breakthrough in airway management for tracheal tumor removal

A 47-year-old man was diagnosed with a tracheal mass with a narrowed airway at the level of vertebrae thoracalis 2-4 (T2 - T4). He was scheduled for sternotomy. The patient's clinical condition was considered ASA III. We used fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOI) to visualize the tumor's location and employed double endotracheal tubes to manage the airway difficulties. The first endotracheal tube was inserted orally into the trachea until it passed the tumor to provide primary airway control. Once the ventilator was connected, the second tube was repositioned below the tumor to maintain airway patency. After the surgery, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring of maintaining respiratory stability and preventing complications. The patient recovered well with stable vital signs and effective pain control.