Airway Tracheal Surgery
Pioneering Surgical Methods for Kids With Tracheal Disorders
Nemours Children’s cardiothoracic surgeons have specialized expertise in heart, blood vessel and chest procedures. We offer integrated care for children and young adults with tracheal (windpipe) and bronchial (airway tubes) disorders that need surgical treatment.
We’re at the forefront of airway surgery, giving kids with complex conditions the best possible chance to thrive. In fact, we developed a groundbreaking surgical treatment for tracheal reconstruction for patients with Morquio syndrome.
Part of award-winning heart centers in Delaware and Florida, our cardiothoracic surgery team is highly skilled and trained in tracheal surgery. We partner closely with cardiac anesthesiologists, otolaryngologists (ENT), pulmonary critical care specialists and many others to provide complete care.
At Nemours, your child gets personalized treatments in state-of-the-art facilities with a family-centered approach. We focus on their unique needs, working for the best possible outcomes and quality of life.
Our Services
Our team treats the full spectrum of airway disorders including complete tracheal rings, tracheomalacia (tracheal wall weakening), tracheal stenosis (airway narrowing), innominate artery compression syndrome, vascular ring anomalies, pulmonary artery sling and tracheal tumors.
We offer:
- Team-based care from experts in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, cardiac critical care, inpatient heart care, respiratory therapy, nursing and more working together for the best possible outcomes
- Tailored tests for the most accurate diagnosis and surgical planning, like advanced cardiac imaging with 3D technology and 3D modelling, and small scopes to view inside the lungs and airways (bronchoscopy) and voice box (laryngoscopy)
- Individualized treatments based on your child’s age, medical condition, overall health and specific needs
- The latest, most advanced surgical techniques using minimally invasive methods whenever possible, which can mean less scarring, less pain and a faster recovery
- Facilities with the latest surgical technologies and equipment for the most complex procedures and the highest level of safety and cleanliness
- Postsurgery care and support for better healing, pain management, recovery and long-term health, including an enhanced recovery program in Delaware specific to cardiothoracic surgery
- Full range of rehabilitation services like physical, occupational, speech, feeding and swallowing and neurodevelopmental therapies to strengthen the body and mind, and protect development
- An approach that involves the whole family, including cardiac psychology support, education, open communication and shared decision making
A laryngoscopy is when a doctor uses a special camera to look down the throat to see the voice box (larynx). Learn what to expect from the experts at Nemours KidsHealth®.
A cardiothoracic surgeon treats problems with the heart and chest. Find out more about what they do.
The respiratory system involves several organs from the nose to the lungs. Help your child know more about how it works.
- Learning delays
- Heart Smart
- Respiratory System
Two Leading Pediatric Heart Centers
Our heart centers offer highly advanced, integrated care just for kids and young adults with congenital heart disease. Learn about our focused programs, innovative research and exceptional outcomes.
Conditions & Treatments
We see many conditions — far too many to list here. The conditions we treat vary depending on the location and providers selected. Don’t see a condition listed? Call us.
Related Specialties & Programs
Expert Airway Surgery for Your Child
When your child needs airway (tracheal) surgery, you want the most experienced team. We’re recognized for performing advanced procedures and helping kids with highly complex conditions.
We perform the full range of airway (tracheal) procedures, even in the tiniest newborns.
We use highly advanced cardiac imaging like heart CT and life-size, 3D printed heart modelling to plan surgery and educate you about the operation.
We report our outcome data to a national database and compare our outcomes against national averages.
Our surgical expertise is sought by families and providers around the world.
Nemours surgeons are researching new methods and programs to improve surgical success and recovery. We regularly share our expertise.
Expert Airway Surgery for Your Child
When your child needs airway (tracheal) surgery, you want the most experienced team. We’re recognized for performing advanced procedures and helping kids with highly complex conditions.
We perform the full range of airway (tracheal) procedures in newborns to young adults up to age 40.
Our surgical outcomes for the most complex procedures are excellent, and better than national averages.
We use highly advanced cardiac imaging, like CT scans and 3D technologies to prepare for surgery. This helps provide precise and effective outcomes.
Our surgical expertise is sought by families and providers around the world through our second opinion program.
We’re researching new methods and programs to improve surgical success and recovery. We regularly share our expertise.
Have Your Baby Here
The Nemours Advanced Delivery Program allows healthy moms to deliver at our children’s hospital in Delaware. This means your baby can get the critical care they need right away.
If you can’t deliver here, we have advanced neonatal transport equipped with lifesaving technology. We’ll get your baby here safely and quickly.
Care That Goes Beyond Medicine
When your family comes to Nemours, you’re well cared for. We want you to understand your child’s condition and how to help them stay healthy and succeed. We help you find community resources for your family. We also offer many supportive services, like social work, lodging at nearby Ronald McDonald Houses, creative therapies, pet therapy, Child Life programs and much more.
Convenient Follow-Up Appointments by Video
We offer follow-up appointments through scheduled, live video visits. You can avoid waiting rooms and save travel time. Ask your doctor if this is an option for your family.