Endobronchial stenting for extrinsic compression caused by pulsatile pulmonary artery in a 4-week-old infant

Respiratory compromise secondary to external vascular compression may complicate the course of infants and neonates undergoing repair of congeni tal heart disease. Management of such complications usually involves prolonged ventilatory support and even additional high-risk surgical procedures. In recent years, endobronchial placement of self-expanding stents became a realistic treatment option, although there is controversy as to which of the many stents available today give the best results. We report the first successful endobronchial placement of a self-expanding stent in a 4-week-old infant. This conservative treatment for extrinsic airway compression led to the rapid extubation and recovery of the patient.