Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 31, 2025

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Pediatric tracheostomy surveillance
James A Leonard1, Ishwarya S Mamidi2, Pamela Mudd3
1Deparment of Otolaryngology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
Insights
A rare airway mass caused severe respiratory distress in a ventilator-dependent infant with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Surgical excision successfully relieved the obstruction, leading to the infant
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Airway Management
- Neonatal Critical Care
Background:
- A 14-month-old male infant, born prematurely at 28 weeks and dependent on a ventilator, had a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and tracheostomy.
- The patient experienced worsening respiratory distress at 9 months of age after being lost to follow-up.
Observation:
- Direct visualization of the airway revealed a mass obstructing the glottic inlet.
- The mass appeared solid, nonvascular, and originated from a suprastomal site, with no attachments to surrounding mucosal tissues.
Findings:
- Surgical excision of the suprastomal mass was performed.
- The procedure effectively relieved the airway obstruction.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare cause of airway obstruction in a high-risk pediatric patient.
- Successful surgical intervention led to positive patient outcomes and improved respiratory status.
Abstract:
We report an unusual case of a 14-month-old ex-28 week, ventilator-dependent male with a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and tracheostomy at 2 months of age. Lost to follow-up, at age 9 months, he presented to the emergency department with worsening respiratory distress. The patient was taken to the operating room at which time direct visualization of the airway demonstrated a mass filling the entire glottic inlet without supraglottic or pharyngeal mucosal attachments. The solid, nonvascular, mass appeared to be emanating from a suprastomal site. Excision proved to relieve the airway obstruction and postoperatively the patient has thrived.
Related Concept Videos
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
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,...
Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask...
Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
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...

