Flexible bronchoscopic cannulation of an isolated H-type tracheoesophageal fistula in a newborn

Abstract

Congenital isolated H-type tracheoesophageal fistula (H-TEF) is a rare malformation of the airways. Surgery should not be delayed once the diagnosis is established. Identification of the fistula during surgery is a prerequisite for a successful outcome. Intubation or cannulation of the H-TEF with a catheter can help the surgeon to identify the fistula. A rigid bronchoscope is generally used for cannulation of the fistula. Cannulation of an H-TEF in a newborn with a flexible bronchoscope has the merit of simplicity and safety. We report the insertion of a catheter in an isolated H-TEF in a newborn using a flexible bronchoscope and think that this method can be easily applied.