Endoscopic Management of Central Airway Obstruction

Central airway obstruction is a complex problem that requires a careful multidisciplinary evaluation. The central airways can be obstructed by intrinsic exophytic tumor, by extrinsic mass compression or by dynamic collapse. Both benign and malignant processes can obstruct the airway lumen. This article reviews the core principles and techniques available to the interventionalist managing central airway obstruction.

Keywords: airway obstruction, stricture, dynamic collapse, stent, balloon dilation, extrinsic compression