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Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Coblation-assisted management of pediatric airway stenosis
Judd H Fastenberg1, Soham Roy2, Lee P Smith3
1Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, 430 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY, 11042, USA.
Insights
Bipolar radiofrequency plasma ablation (Coblation) shows promise for treating pediatric airway stenosis. This technique effectively managed various conditions in 6 children without significant complications.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Pediatric airway stenosis presents significant challenges for otolaryngologists.
- Effective endoscopic treatment options are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of bipolar radiofrequency plasma ablation (Coblation) in treating pediatric airway stenosis.
- To assess the safety and outcomes of Coblation for various pediatric airway conditions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis of 6 pediatric patients.
- Review of medical records from July 2009 to December 2015 at a tertiary care pediatric academic medical center.
- Analysis of patient presentation, surgical interventions, and post-operative course.
Main Results:
- Coblation was successfully used for glottic stenosis, bilateral vocal fold immobility, and intratracheal lesions.
- Procedures included scar/granulation tissue removal, partial arytenoidectomy, and posterior cordectomy.
- All 6 patients achieved good results with no major complications or sequelae.
Conclusions:
- Bipolar radiofrequency plasma ablation (Coblation) appears to be an effective endoscopic tool for pediatric airway stenosis.
- Further research with larger patient cohorts is warranted to solidify its application.
- Coblation offers a potentially valuable minimally invasive approach for complex pediatric airway issues.
Objectives:
The treatment of pediatric airway stenosis represents a major challenge for the otolaryngologist. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of bipolar radiofrequency plasma ablation (Coblation) in the treatment of pediatric airway stenosis.
Study Design:
Retrospective case series. Tertiary care pediatric academic medical center.
Methods:
The medical records of 6 pediatric patients at Cohen Children's Medical Center from July 2009 to December 2015 were reviewed. All cases involved the use of radiofrequency plasma ablation to address airway stenosis. Patient presentation, surgical intervention(s), post-operative course and complications were analyzed.
Results:
All 6 cases involved pediatric airway stenosis, including glottic stenosis (2), bilateral vocal fold immobility (2), and intratracheal lesions (2). Coblation was used to perform a range of different procedures, including removal of scar/granulation tissue, partial arytenoidectomy, and posterior cordectomy. All patients experienced good results without major complications, perioperative, or post-operative sequellae.
Conclusion:
The results of this study suggest that radiofrequency plasma ablation may be an effective endoscopic tool for the treatment of pediatric airway stenosis. Further study and more patients are required as this technique becomes increasingly applied.
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