title: A new method of treatment for complete tracheal rings in an infant: endoscopic laser division and balloon dilation.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.
authors.forename: H B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Othersen
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hebra
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Tagge
mesh_terms: 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*