Robotically Assisted Bilateral Bronchoplasty for Tracheobronchomalacia

Abstract

We describe the technique for the first robotically assisted bilateral bronchoplasty for the treatment of tracheobronchomalacia. Since 1954, this disease process has been treated with a right thoracotomy and posterior splinting of the tracheal membrane with mesh to restore the C-shape of the trachea. Traditional video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has been of limited benefit in these cases owing to technical challenges. A robotically assisted technique offers the dual benefit of a minimally invasive port-based system while reproducing an open surgical technique.