Recurrent life-threatening bradycardia in a child with retained tracheal stent.

We report a child with a retained welded tracheal stent scheduled for removal developing refractory bradycardia and cardiac arrest during attempt to remove the stent. Cardiac massage and pacing were necessary to reestablish circulation. The same type of arrhythmia occurred three times in the postanesthetic care unit after tracheal suction or coughing.