Tracheostomy in Infant with Hypoxic Brain Injury

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-18-2026

Abstract

A 2-month-old infant with hypoxic brain injury following cardiac arrest presented for consideration of tracheostomy. While technically feasible, the decision carried profound ethical implications regarding long-term quality of life and medical futility. Anesthetic concerns included airway instability and hemodynamic fragility. This case underscores the importance of integrating ethical reflection and multidisciplinary, family centered goals of care conversations into intensive care team decision-making for vulnerable pediatric patients, especially in cases where patient burden exceeds the potential benefit of intervention.

Comments

American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Meeting, October 16-20, 2026, San Diego, CA

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