Case report


Tic-“tack”-toe, out I go: A strategic implementation of flexible bronchoscopy in the removal of an aspirated thumbtack

Saria Tasnim MD, Balaji Mohanakrishnan MD, Nandini Ray MD, Manish Patel MD

ABSTRACT

Thumbtack aspiration is a medical emergency as the sharp end poses a risk of injuring the respiratory tract and potentially causing fatal complications. Its removal can be difficult, even under bronchoscopy guidance, as the sharp end can potentially lead to bronchial mucosal tears and perforation. We present a case of 16-year-old male who was admitted following the unintentional ingestion of a thumbtack that was removed using flexible bronchoscopy. These sharp metal objects are commonly removed using rigid bronchoscopy, but removal by flexible bronchoscopy, although challenging, is still possible.

Keywords: Foreign body; flexible bronchoscopy; thumbtack




Article citation: Tasnim S, Mohanakrishnan B, Ray N, Patel M. Tic-“tack”-toe, out I go: A strategic implementation of flexible bronchoscopy in the removal of an aspirated thumbtack. The Southwest Respiratory and Critical Care Chronicles 2023;11(46):56–58

From: Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas

Submitted: 9/11/2022

Accepted: 12/26/2022

Conflicts of interest: none

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