An expandable prosthesis for stabilization of the infant mediastinum following pneumonectomy

One possible complication in infant pneumonectomy is mediastinal shift that can fatally kink or compress airways and vessels. Rigid prostheses have been used to prevent these problems; however, they cannot be adjusted as the child grows. We report a case of expandable prosthesis implantation in a 24-day-old infant. During the 18 months postimplantation, the prosthesis was periodically injected with a saline/contrast solution to maintain the mediastinum in a midline position as the child grew. At 24-month follow-up the prosthesis was still in place, and midline position of the mediastinum maintained.