A new method of treatment for complete tracheal rings in an infant: endoscopic laser division and balloon dilation.
OBJECTIVE
The authors describe a new technique for management of complete tracheal rings in infants.


METHODS
The procedure consists of rigid bronchoscopy with KTP laser division, in the posterior midline, of the complete rings and gradual advancement of the bronchoscope aided by endoscopic balloon dilation.


CONCLUSIONS
The laser division, coupled with balloon dilation, allows for controlled separation of the cartilages posteriorly. The anterior esophageal wall buttresses the posterior tracheal separation.
Othersen
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Division of Pediatric Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.
Hebra
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Tagge
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D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002404:Catheterization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D014132:Trachea / Q000601:surgery*; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery*