Pulmonary Procedure

Balloon Bronchoplasty

Balloon Bronchoplasty is a medical procedure used to dilate (widen) narrowed or obstructed airways, often due to conditions like airway strictures or stenosis. This technique is primarily utilized in the treatment of airway diseases that cause a narrowing or blockage of the bronchi (the large air passages leading from the trachea to the lungs), which can lead to breathing difficulties.

Procedure:

In balloon bronchoplasty, a bronchoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) is inserted into the airways. A deflated balloon catheter is then positioned in the narrowed section of the airway. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to widen the airway, improving airflow. The pressure applied by the balloon can break up scar tissue or dilate the stricture without causing significant damage to the surrounding tissue.

Indications for Balloon Bronchoplasty:

This procedure is typically indicated for patients with airway narrowing due to:

• Benign airway stenosis: Often caused by scarring from previous surgeries, infections, or prolonged intubation.
• Tracheobronchial malacia: A condition where the airway walls are weak and collapse.
• Tumors: In cases of lung cancer where tumors compress or obstruct the bronchi.
• Granulomatous diseases: Like sarcoidosis or tuberculosis, which can cause scarring in the airways.

Symptoms Addressed:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Chronic cough
• Wheezing
• Frequent respiratory infections