OBJECTIVE To analyze the results of pediatric tracheal reconstruction with autologous pericardial patch and strips of cartilage. METHODS From September 2003 to February 2008 14 non-consecutive children were operated using pericardial patch augmentation of the trachea combined with external reinforcement with strips of autologous cartilage. Thin semicircular strips were fashioned from costal a...

Idiopathic laryngeal hemiplegia (ILH) is the most common cause of upper respiratory unsoundness in horses. Classified as a distal axonopathy, ILH primarily affects the intrinsic laryngeal muscles on the left side. The adductor muscles are more severely affected at an earlier stage than is the primary abductor muscle. Endoscopic evaluation in standing or exercising horses can result in a definit...

BACKGROUND Cricoid pressure is a routine part of rapid-sequence induction of general anaesthesia in obstetrics, but its efficacy in saving life is difficult to ascertain. METHODS As part of a prospective observational study of caesarean sections performed between January 1998 and June 2000 in 27 hospitals in Malawi, the anaesthetist recorded whether cricoid pressure was applied, the method of...

Sir,—The article by Nolan and Parr1 depicted in-line cervical stabilization and cricoid pressure during tracheal intubation in the trauma patient (fig. 2). In figure 2, in-line cervical stabilization is demonstrated as if it were a single-handed technique. It is accepted practice, however, to perform this manoeuvre as a double-handed technique (although we are sure this is the effect of the lin...

Posterior glottic stenosis is defined as a narrowing of the airway at the posterior portion of the true vocal folds, and is most commonly caused by prolonged endotracheal intubation. We report a rare presentation in a patient infected with HIV who was later diagnosed with a primary actinomyces infection of the cricoid cartilage. This case report documents an important new complication for both ...

Introduction The terms ‘inferior’ and ‘recurrent’ laryngeal nerve have been used interchangeably to describe a branch of the thoracic vagus that loops around the subclavian artery (on the right) or aortic arch (on the left), and then ascends to terminally arborize [1]. The ILN carries sensory, motor and parasympathetic fibers, and divides into an internal branch (sensory to the vocal cords and ...