Balloon Dilatation (Balloon Tracheobronchoplasty)

Several diseases can cause airway narrowing or stenosis. Inflammatory conditions, such as wegeners, sarcoidosis, and subglottic stenosis along with airway tumors, prior radiation, or lung transplant anastomosis strictures can benefit from this treatment option. While there are several methods available to improve airway narrowing, balloon dilatation may provide a gentle, uniform dilation with less airway trauma.

Why is it used?

• Balloon dilatation can be performed using rigid or flexible bronchoscopy
• Balloons range in size but are available for even critical airway narrowing
• In most cases, using balloon dilatation produces an instantaneous improvement in airway size
• Several balloon inflations can be performed during the bronchoscopy procedure

What Makes Balloon Dilatation Different?

• Improving airway stenosis using a balloon device applies an even radial force to the airway tissue
• Less traumatic and may reduce the chance for restenosis after the procedure

Benefits of Balloon Dilatation

• Generally considered safer than rigid dilation

• Degree of improvement can be controlled by using different size balloons

Learn More About Balloon Dilatation

At UC San Diego Medical Center’s Interventional Pulmonology Unit, the following interventional pulmonologists specialize in performing a balloon dilatation:

• Dr. James Harrell
• Dr. Samir Makani
• Dr. David Riker