Minimally Invasive Treatment for Narrowed Airways
Airway balloon dilatation is an advanced bronchoscopic procedure used to widen narrowed airways caused by scarring, prolonged intubation, tracheal stenosis, bronchial stenosis, or certain benign airway disorders. The procedure helps restore airflow, relieve breathlessness, and improve quality of life without the need for major surgery in selected patients.
When is Airway Balloon Dilatation Recommended?
This procedure may be advised for patients with :
- Tracheal or bronchial stenosis
- Airway narrowing after prolonged ventilation or tracheostomy
- Benign airway strictures
- Post-surgical airway narrowing
- Selected airway narrowing due to inflammatory diseases
Symptoms of Airway Narrowing
- Persistent shortness of breath
- Noisy breathing (stridor)
- Wheezing not responding to inhalers
- Chronic cough
- Reduced exercise capacity
- Recurrent respiratory infections
How is the Procedure Performed?
Using a bronchoscope, a specially designed balloon is positioned across the narrowed segment of the airway and gently inflated for a short duration. This widens the airway, improves airflow, and relieves symptoms. The procedure is minimally invasive, performed under appropriate anesthesia, and most patients recover quickly.