Fractured Metallic Tracheostomy Tube: Report of a Fractographic Study

Authors

  • Monthira Tanthanuch Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110,
  • Surasak Sangkhathat Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110,
  • Wandee Khaimook Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110,
  • Sawit Tanthanuch Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112,

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31584/jhsmr.2021789

Keywords:

Corrosion, stainless steel, tracheostomy tube fracture

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the cause of a broken metallic tracheostomy tube.
Material and Methods: In this study, we performed a fractographic investigation of a broken tracheostomy tube from an elderly patient using surface visualization, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and chemical composition analysis using X-ray fluorescent and metallographic testing.
Results: Surface visualization revealed multiple corrosive pits which were confirmed by liquid penetrant testing. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed the chemical composition of the tube to be an austenitic chromium-nickel-manganese stainless steel alloy. Metallographic analysis suggested that the fracture site originated from the inner surface from intergranular corrosion.
Conclusion: The evidence suggests that the corrosion resistance properties of this material might not be suitable for long term use in the human trachea. Higher grade stainless steel or more frequent device change is recommended.

References

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Published

2021-06-01

How to Cite

1.
Tanthanuch M, Sangkhathat S, Khaimook W, Tanthanuch S. Fractured Metallic Tracheostomy Tube: Report of a Fractographic Study. J Health Sci Med Res [Internet]. 2021 Jun. 1 [cited 2024 Dec. 23];39(4):321-9. Available from: https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jhsmr/article/view/250161

Issue

VOL 39, NO. 4(2021): Jul-Aug

Section

Original Article
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