The Use of Balloon-Expandable Metallic Stents in the Treatment of Pediatric Tracheomalacia and Bronchomalacia

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Abstract
TRACHEOMALACIA IS the most common congenital anomaly of the trachea.1 No intervention is required in the majority of cases. Most often, children with this anomaly are minimally symptomatic, presenting with chronic cough or expiratory stridor on exertion. The majority gradually improve, with symptoms usually resolving by the age of 3 years.2 A few present with more severe symptoms of airway obstruction and increased work of breathing: respiratory distress, severe stridor, and apparent life-threatening events.3 Severe primary tracheomalacia is usually amenable to management with standard or custom tracheostomy tubes.4 Tracheomalacia may be due to vascular anomalies, tracheoesophageal fistula, or foregut cysts. Tracheomalacia caused by innominate artery compression may be treated by anterior suspension to the sternum.5

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