The effects of balloon dilation laryngoplasty in children with congenital heart disease.

Objective: To determine the utility of performing balloon dilation laryngoplasty of subglottic stenosis (SGS) in children with underlying congenital heart disease (CHD).

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Tertiary care academic health center.

Patients: Children with an underlying diagnosis of CHD who subsequently underwent balloon dilation laryngoplasty for SGS from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2011.

Main outcome measures: Clinical improvement and avoidance of tracheotomy.

Results: We identified 16 children who had a diagnosis of CHD and underwent direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. Five patients (3 girls and 2 boys) underwent a total of 11 balloon dilations for SGS. Their ages at initial dilation ranged from 1 to 4 months. All 5 patients had grade III SGS. Only 1 patient required a salvage tracheotomy for a thick glottic web and associated SGS after her first balloon dilation failed to improve airway patency. The remaining 4 patients have had long-term success in avoiding tracheotomy with symptomatic improvement.

Conclusions: Balloon dilation represents a valuable treatment option in patients with CHD and SGS in whom a tracheostomy should be avoided.