Tracheal Rings

Complete tracheal rings refers to a defect in the structure of the cartilages that make up the trachea. Normal tracheal rings are horseshoe shaped, allowing them to be flexible. Complete tracheal rings are circular and tend to result in a much smaller airway than a normal trachea. This abnormality often accompanies certain heart and large blood vessel abnormalities, like a pulmonary sling.

In collaboration with our Cardiovascular/Thoracic Surgery team, we provide diagnosis and definitive treatment for this condition, utilizing a procedure called a slide tracheoplasty, which has revolutionized treatment of this condition.