What is it about?
This paper describes a step-by-step technique for treating tracheal and bronchial narrowing (stenosis) using a non-occlusive balloon passed through a supraglottic airway device (like a laryngeal mask) under endoscopic vision. This allows continuous breathing support during the procedure and avoids the need for high-risk tracheostomies or rigid bronchoscopy.
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Photo by Luiz Rogério Nunes on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Managing patients with narrowed airways can be extremely challenging, especially in emergencies. Traditional tools block airflow or risk damaging the airway. This technique allows doctors to treat airway blockages more safely and quickly—even in urgent settings—while the patient continues to breathe. It has become the standard of care at the authors’ institution, with over 650 successful procedures and no major complications reported.
Perspectives
This technique has transformed emergency and elective management of airway stenosis in Cape Town. It empowers junior staff to act confidently in airway emergencies, avoids unnecessary tracheostomies, and provides excellent procedural control and visibility. The method is now being captured in a dedicated registry (LAIR) and may be adapted globally to improve safety in airway surgery.
Prof Ross Hofmeyr
Department of Anaesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, University of Cape Town
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: How we do it: endoscopic tracheal dilatation technique using a supraglottic airway device and non-occlusive balloon, The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, June 2022, Cambridge University Press,
DOI: 10.1017/s0022215122001426.
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