Endoscopic carbon dioxide laser division of congenital complete tracheal rings: a new operative technique.

A carbon dioxide laser was used through a bronchoscope to split the posterior aspect of complete tracheal rings in the distal trachea of a 16-month-old boy previously palliated for cyanotic congenital heart disease. After laser division of the complete tracheal rings, the patient was successfully extubated. Subsequently, the boy had granulation tissue develop, which required bronchoscopic resection, and then severe posterior tracheal impingement developed from the esophageal herniation, which required placement of a distal tracheal stent. Although unsuccessful in this case, carbon dioxide laser division of complete tracheal rings may be a safe and effective method of treating congenital tracheal stenosis in selected cases.