Tracheal Dilatation in Pediatric Patients With Acquired Tracheal Stenosis, and the Effects of Apneic Oxygenation

The study presents an alternative method of tracheal dilatation in pediatric patients with acquired tracheal stenosis. Dilatation is performed by the use of balloon catheter connected with manometer, that is bronchoscopic guided into trachea in the stenotic area, through the wide canal of supraglottic device i-Gel. Every dilatation cession consists of three consequent tracheal balloon dilatations of maximum 3 minutes duration each, followed by 10-15minutes interval of controlled ventilation. The balloon is inflated for 60 seconds to reach predefined pressure, and then deflated. This method is minimal traumatic for tracheal mucosa, and application of several dilatation procedures every 2-3months, in pediatric patients with acquired tracheal stenosis, may lead to a relative reopening of trachea and recession of clinical symptoms.For the right performance of the dilatation procedure, patients receive general anesthesia with cessation of spontaneous ventilation. During procedure, controlled ventilation-oxygenation is impossible, because the i-Gel canal is occupied by bronchoscope and balloon catheter, so patients will remain apneic for a short period of time. For pediatric patients is important to perform proper preoxygenation prior to procedure, and to maintain oxygenation as long as possible during procedure. This is achieved by application of apneic oxygenation, through a small catheter, connected to high flow oxygen. Participants are exposed during first dilation to no oxygenation, while during second and third dilatation to apneic oxygenation. Aim of the study is to investigate primarily whether application of apneic oxygenation, in pediatric patients during tracheal balloon dilatation, maintains regional cerebral oxygen saturation rSO2 in significant higher levels, compared with no application of oxygenation. rSO2 levels are a sensitive index of oxygenation efficacy of the brain, accordingly this refers to a safe procedure. Secondary issues are whether application