Airway Dilation

Reasons for undergoing balloon dilation procedure

• Cancer: If a tumor is pressing on your airway, your doctor may recommend that you undergo balloon dilation before undergoing additional treatment, such as having a stent put in place or having the tumor treated with radiation or surgery.^2,7
• Fibrotic strictures: These are areas of scar tissue or tissue that has become very tight as a result of trauma, surgery, an infection, or a tracheostomy.⁴
• Tracheostomy: Sometimes after a tracheostomy, fibrotic strictures may develop because of the tube’s presence. Balloon dilation may be performed to enlarge the airway at the obstructed area.⁴
• Anastomotic strictures: An area of scar tissue that has developed at the site where two tubular structures have been sewn together.

Your doctor will discuss with you the reasons for a balloon dilation procedure.

During the procedure

During the balloon dilation procedure, you may receive a topical anesthetic in the back of your throat. Your doctor will likely discuss with you the options for sedation.^3,6

Your doctor will insert a device called a bronchoscope through either your mouth or your nose. A bronchoscope is a long, thin tube that has a video camera on the tip which is designed so the doctor can view inside your airway. The bronchoscope will be moved down your airway so that your doctor can see the area that is blocked. Once the area is located, your doctor will insert a special wire called a guidewire into your airway through the bronchoscope and then remove the bronchoscope. The catheter containing the balloon will be placed over the guide wire and moved into place. The doctor may use a radiograph (X-ray) to make sure the catheter is in the right place. The balloon will then be inflated and deflated, potentially opening your airway.⁶

Are there any risks to the procedure?

As with any medical procedure there are risks and you should talk to your doctor about what they are. Your doctor will be able to explain the risks and answer any questions you may have. You may experience some minor discomfort after the procedure. Your doctor will be able to tell you what to expect and what type of medication you should take.

Recovery Time

Recovery times may vary, depending on the type of disease that is being treated. Airway balloon dilation can typically be done on an outpatient basis, which means you may be able to leave the hospital the same day as the procedure.

This reference text contains information about a specific procedure and is provided by Boston Scientific Corporation for reference only. Please talk to your doctor about complete procedural information, potential risks, and questions you may have.

References

1. Bolliger CT, Mathur PN(eds): Interventional Bronchoscopy. Prog Respir Res. Basel, Karger, 2000, vol 30, pp 171-186.
2. Ernst AE, Silvestri GA, Johnstone D. Interventional pulmonary procedures: guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians. Chest. 2003;123:1693-1717.
3. Mosby’s Medical, Nursing, and Allied Health Dictionary. 5th ed., St. Louis, MO, Mosby, 1998.
4. Riker AI, Vigneswaran WT. Management of tracheobronchial strictures and fistulas: a report and review of literature. Int Surg. 2002;87:114-119.
5. Seijo L, Sterman, D. Interventional Pulmonology. New Eng J Med. 2001;344:740-749.
6. Sheski FD, Mathur PN. Long-term Results of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopic Balloon Dilation in the Management of Benign Tracheobronchial Stenosis. Chest. 1998;114:796-800.
7. Wood DE, Liu YH, Vallieres E, Karmy-Jones R, Mulligan MS. Airway stenting for malignant and benign tracheobronchial stenosis. An Thor Sur. 2003;76:167-174.