Endobronchial ablative therapies.

Endobronchial ablative therapies are used to address a variety of malignant and benign airway lesions. By utilizing endobronchial ablative techniques patients with symptomatic airway lesions may receive significant symptom improvement, improved quality of life, and improved life expectancy. Endobronchial ablative therapies include laser, electrocautery, argon plasma coagulation, cryotherapy, brachytherapy, and photodynamic therapy.

Tracheomalacia/Tracheobronchomalacia and hyperdynamic airway collapse.

Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) and hyperdynamic airway collapse (HDAC) can be debilitating diseases associated with decreased functional capacity and poor quality of life, although there is no standard definition of this complex condition, and there are numerous terms used to describe it. The diverse etiology associated with TBM and HDAC can obscure and delay an accurate diagnosis for years. A thorough medical history is important in understanding possible causes and in guiding diagnostic testing.

Tracheal paraganglioma: an unusual neoplasm of the upper airway.

Paraganglioma of the trachea is a rare neoplasm, with fewer than 15 cases reported. A 40-year-old man presented with stridor and hemoptysis. Bronchoscopy demonstrated a tumor of the posterior trachea and biopsy initially suggested typical carcinoid.

The mean green popsicle: using cryotherapy to remove aspirated foreign bodies.

Foreign body (FB) aspiration can be a life-threatening event. Although more common in children, FB aspiration can occur at any age. Symptoms related to FB aspiration range from coughing and shortness of breath to asphyxiation.