The use of expandable metallic airway stent in a baby with tracheomalacia: A case report

We report a case of a 65-day-old baby who was treated with non-invasive mechanical ventilation due to respiratory distress since the day of birth. Tracheomalacia was diagnosed based on the physical examination and the thorax computerized tomography (CT) findings. Patient was initially treated with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and thereafter, fitted with a tracheobronchial conical fully-covered self-expandable nitinol stent. After stent insertion and the respiratory situation of the patient improved, ventilatory weaning and extubation were possible. A careful selection of suitable patients, appropriate stent type and the site, where it has to be placed is mandatory for successful airway stenting. Also, children must be adequately followed-up to prevent the possible life-threatening complications after stent insertion.
Source: Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice - Category: Rural Health Authors: Source Type: research