Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications
04:43

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications

Published on: March 15, 2024

Aortic suspension (aortopexy) for severe tracheomalacia in infants and children

Thomas R Weber1, Martin S Keller, Andrew Fiore

  • 1Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1465 South Grand Blvd., MO 63104, USA. Weberm2@slu.edu

American Journal of Surgery
|December 19, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Anterior aortopexy effectively treats tracheomalacia in children by improving airway caliber and rigidity. This surgical procedure provides immediate and permanent relief from life-threatening airway obstruction.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Tracheomalacia, often involving anterior great vessel compression, is a critical condition in children.
  • It can lead to severe airway occlusion, posing a significant risk to patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of anterior aortopexy in managing distal tracheomalacia.
  • To assess the impact of the procedure on airway function and obstructive episodes.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty-two pediatric patients with tracheomalacia underwent anterior aortopexy via left thoracotomy.
  • Pre- and post-operative assessments included bronchoscopy, MRI, and pulmonary function tests.

Main Results:

  • Intraoperative bronchoscopy confirmed improved airway caliber and rigidity.
  • No patients experienced further obstructive episodes post-procedure.
  • Forced expiratory volume significantly improved from 52% to 82% of predicted values.

Conclusions:

  • Anterior aortopexy is a straightforward and highly effective treatment for distal tracheomalacia.
  • The procedure offers immediate and lasting resolution of obstructive airway events.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Modified Technique for Transverse Aortic Constriction in Mice04:52

A Modified Technique for Transverse Aortic Constriction in Mice

Published on: August 18, 2022

O-Ring Aortic Banding Versus Traditional Transverse Aortic Constriction for Modeling Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy09:24

O-Ring Aortic Banding Versus Traditional Transverse Aortic Constriction for Modeling Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy

Published on: October 6, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Trachea01:22

Trachea

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a vital part of the human respiratory system. It serves as a passageway for air to travel between the larynx and the bronchi, allowing oxygen to reach the lungs. Let's explore its anatomical features, dimensions, layers of the tracheal wall, associated muscles, and the functions of its parts.
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques01:30

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

Airway management is essential in emergency and surgical medicine, ensuring ventilation and oxygenation in patients who cannot maintain their own airway. Clinicians use a range of techniques and devices to secure the airway, depending on the patient’s condition and the clinical context. Key methods include endotracheal intubation, rapid sequence intubation (RSI), supraglottic airway devices, and advanced visualization aids. In cases where these approaches fail, surgical airway interventions are...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management01:22

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned under...
Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes01:28

Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening into the trachea, typically at the second or third cartilaginous ring level. This opening allows the insertion of a tracheostomy tube, which can replace an endotracheal tube, provide mechanical ventilation, bypass an upper airway obstruction, or remove accumulated tracheobronchial secretions.
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece01:23

Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece

Oxygen delivery is critical in clinical care, especially for patients with respiratory disorders or those undergoing surgical procedures. Various systems, such as tracheostomy and the T-piece, deliver oxygen to the lungs, ensuring adequate arterial oxygenation.
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen01:16

Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen

Oxygen therapy is a pivotal aspect of medical care, particularly for patients with respiratory ailments. Two prominent oxygen-delivering systems include the Venturi mask and the transtracheal oxygen catheter.
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...