What is it about?
This study tested a new airway dilatation balloon—the Trachealator—designed to allow continuous oxygenation and ventilation during tracheal dilatation. Traditional dilatation balloons temporarily block airflow, posing risks of hypoxia and limiting procedural time. In this ovine model, the novel non-occlusive design maintained uninterrupted ventilation while the balloon was inflated in the trachea. Physiological parameters remained stable, and there were no adverse events.
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Why is it important?
Tracheal stenosis is challenging to manage, especially in resource-limited settings. Conventional balloons occlude the airway, making procedures riskier and shorter. This device could improve patient safety, reduce procedural complexity, and allow broader use of endoscopic dilatation in diverse healthcare contexts. It may also pave the way for less invasive, fluoroscopy-free tracheal interventions.
Perspectives
This was the first study to demonstrate functional, safe continuous ventilation through an airway dilatation balloon. The results inspired further human trials and contributed to the development of the Large Airways Intervention Registry (LAIR). Future research will explore the clinical use of the Trachealator in patients with tracheal stenosis and complex airway disease.
Prof Ross Hofmeyr
Department of Anaesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, University of Cape Town
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Assessment of continuous ventilation during tracheal dilatation using a novel, non-occlusive balloon in an ovine model, Southern African Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia, January 2020, Medpharm Publications,
DOI: 10.36303/sajaa.2020.26.5.2383.
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