Thoracoscopic aortopericardiosternopexy for severe tracheomalacia in toddlers.

Background/purpose: Aortosternopexy from a left anterolateral thoracotomy is the procedure of choice in severe tracheomalacia. The authors report an alternative technique of modified thoracoscopic aortopericardiosternopexy.

Methods: Thoracoscopy under mild CO2 insufflation (insufflation pressures 4 to 6 mm Hg) provides excellent access without selective intubation.