Daily and long-term balloon dilation via minitracheostomy in cicatric bronchial stenosis

We developed balloon dilation for bronchial stenosis via minitracheostomy. The balloon catheter was introduced via minitracheostomy into the stenotic bronchus. The balloon was inflated 4 hours per day. We conducted this procedure for a tuberculous cicatric stenosis of the left lower lobe bronchus. The bronchus was sufficiently dilated after eight applications. Compared with conventional balloon dilation via the mouth, the patient had less discomfort and could undergo treatment for a longer time and more frequently.