Severe cases of pediatric tracheobronchomalacia can require tracheostomy, prolonged periods of positive pressure ventilation, and/or invasive surgical procedures intended to stabilize the airways. Prior attempts at therapeutic internal airway stenting to avoid the need for positive pressure ventilation in children have been largely unsuccessful due to poor mucous clearance, fragmentation, and diameter reduction. Surgical approaches are invasive and carry a significant failure rate along with risks of fistulization and other complications.
Severe cases of pediatric tracheobronchomalacia can require tracheostomy, prolonged periods of positive pressure ventilation, and/or invasive surgical procedures intended to stabilize the airways. Prior attempts at therapeutic internal airway stenting to avoid the need for positive pressure ventilation in children have been largely unsuccessful due to poor mucous clearance, fragmentation, and diameter reduction. Surgical approaches are invasive and carry a significant failure rate along with risks of fistulization and other complications.