Biodegradable Airway Stenting in Ventilator-Dependent Pediatric Patients

Abstract Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is one of the few causes of dynamic airway obstruction in children. Its management is often difficult and can necessitate multiple interventions and prolonged respiratory support. Untreated, TBM can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Historically, both metallic and silicone stents have been used with limited sustained success owing to the need for removal as the patient grows. Biodegradable airway stents have been adopted into the treatment of pediatric TBM and severe tracheobronchial obstruction within the last 15 years with promising outcomes and a low rate of adverse effects. We describe two cases of airway stent insertion in ventilator-dependent children in whom other first-line treatments yielded no benefit.