# Preoperative Rehearsal in the Removal of an Airway Foreign Body in a Preterm Septic Neonate

## TL;DR

A preterm neonate with a suspected airway foreign body had successful removal after preoperative planning and imaging.

## Contribution

Demonstrates the effectiveness of 3D CT remodeling and preoperative rehearsal in managing high-risk neonatal airway foreign bodies.

## Key findings

- 3D CT identified a suction catheter tip as the foreign body in a septic neonate.
- Preoperative planning enabled successful removal of the foreign body in one attempt.
- Radiographic evaluation and instrument rehearsal are critical in high-risk airway cases.

## Abstract

We report a case of a septic, 21 day old, former 26-week neonate who had clinical and x-ray concern for an airway foreign body. 3D CT remodeling was used to identify the foreign body as the tip of a suction catheter. Preoperative planning to confirm optimal bronchoscopic instrumentation was done, and the foreign body was successfully removed in a single attempt. This case highlights the importance of preoperative radiographic evaluation and instrument rehearsal in high-risk airway foreign body cases.