The utility of tracheal stents in Pediatrics

Abstract

Tracheo-bronchial malformations in small children need urgent therapeutical approach, usually in lack of other medical options. The authors discuss the availability and medical efficiency of tracheo-bronchial stenting in children with tracheo-bronchomalacia or benign respiratory stenosis of the upper airways. The advantages and risks associated with existing devices are presented. Each of the available stents can produce serious complications and are difficult to manage in long term surveillance. The nitinol stents and the silicon types seem the most suitable for tracheal anatomy in small children. In the end, the decision for stenting or indicate surgery for tracheal malformations needs a careful multidisciplinary team approach.

Keywords

• tracheomalacia
• tracheal stents