Real-time confirmation of tracheal decompression.

AIMS: The primary objective was to highlight the role of intraoperative bronchoscopic guidance during the management of central airway obstruction.

MATERIALS &

METHODS

A 6-month-old child presented with recurrent chest infections due to innominate artery compression of distal trachea. Aortopexy was performed under real-time bronchoscopic guidance.

RESULTS

Intraoperative bronchoscopic guidance helped in confirm a successful release of the central airway obstruction.

DISCUSSION: When operations similar to aortopexy are performed for release of airway obstructions, intraoperative bronchoscopic guidance is a valuable tool for confirming a successful outcome.

CONCLUSION

The successful surgical management of central airway obstruction due to an innominate artery compression of the distal trachea under real-time bronchoscopic guidance in a 6-month-old child is described.