Treatment in

Complex Airway Management

Finding the right specialist is challenging. We are here to help.

Complex Airway Management Program:

ENT: 612-626-5900
Nodule and Interventional Pulmonary Clinic: 855-486-7226
Thoracic Surgery: 612-624-0914

Overview

Central airway obstruction (CAO) is a narrowing of a small or large portion of the airway tree that can cause shortness of breath and can be life threatening. We classify the disease based on the location of the narrowing within the airway tree. For example, subglottic stenosis is narrowing of the airway just below the vocal cords and tracheobronchial stenosis is any narrowing below the subglottic space. CAO can be diagnosed by advanced imaging (i.e. CT) or direct visualization with a fiberoptic scope. This narrowing can be caused by infection, inflammation, scar tissue, cancer, or foreign body ingestion. If your symptoms are determined to be caused by CAO, evaluation by dedicated subspecialty physicians in an experienced center is crucial. At the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, we have a complex airway program that consists of a group of surgeons, interventional pulmonologists, speech therapists, and respiratory therapists who are highly skilled and have experience managing CAO.

If you're a medical provider looking to refer a patient, please visit the following page: For Medical Professionals

Our approach

Our approach is multidisciplinary, and our program offers state-of-the-art care to patients suffering with CAO. The physicians include Otolaryngologists, Thoracic Surgeons, and Interventional pulmonologists. Our physicians work within a team that is comprised of specialty nurses, speech therapists, respiratory therapists and pharmacists who are focused on providing the best care for patients with this disease. Our facilities are geared to provide patients and families with high-quality care with the goal of breathing better.

Complex Airway Program: Multidisciplinary meeting with ENT, Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonologists to discuss patients with central airway obstruction.

Related Conditions:

Interventional Pulmonology
Stridor
Supraglottic stenosis
Glottic stenosis
Subglottic stenosis
Tumors or autoimmune disorders affecting the larynx and trachea
Paradoxical vocal fold motion or laryngospasm
Tracheotomy or t-tube dependence

Related Treatments:

Balloon or bougie tracheoplasty (dilation)
Tracheal biopsy
Airway/tracheal stenting
- Tracheal stents
- T-tubes
- Custom tracheostomy tubes
Tissue ablation
- Laser
- Cryotherapy
- Argon Plasma Coagulation
- Electrocautery
Mechanical Tissue debulking
- Rigid bronchoscopy
- Microdebrider
- Forceps
Steroid injection
Mitomycin-C application
Airway Stenting
- Hybrid Metallic Stent
- Silicone Stent
- Custom 3D Stent
Surgery (endoscopic and open techniques)
- Pharyngoplasty for supraglottic stenosis
- Cordectomy, cordotomy, suture lateralization, partial or complete arytenoidectomy, midline thyrotomy with stent placement
- Staged laryngotracheoplasty
- Tracheotomy and t-tube placement
- Endoscopic tracheal stent placement
- Tracheal resection and reconstruction
- Posterior tracheoplasty