Center for Pediatric Airway Disorders
Children, especially those born prematurely, may have problems with their airway (air passages) that affect their breathing. Some may have problems with blockages of the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe) or throat, while others may have difficulty swallowing. The Center for Pediatric Airway Disorders helps these children by managing their complex airway or swallowing problems.
Unique in the region
Our Center is the only one of its kind in the Greater Philadelphia region. Under the direction of Dr. Ian Jacobs, the team sees a variety of conditions including subglottic stenosis, congenital airway disorders and swallowing disorders. We also specialize in the care of children with long-term tracheotomies.
A team of specialists with a single focus — airway disorders
Our Center's hallmark is its coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. When your child comes to us for care, he will be evaluated by our staff of highly skilled and experienced surgeons and airway nurse practitioners, as well as experts in speech, swallowing and respiratory therapy. Together, we will develop your child's care plan and provide any support he needs. Our team will also consult with Children's Hospital specialists in the fields of pulmonology, gastroenterology and critical care when your child's care requires it.
Leading the way in airway surgery
If surgery is necessary, your child will benefit from our familiarity with the latest, cutting edge techniques. Our surgeons are among a select group nationwide that perform state-of-the-art airway reconstructive procedures including laryngotracheoplasty (enlargement of the airway using cartilage) and partial cricotracheal resection (removal of the scarred portion of the airway). They also perform other airway procedures such as endoscopic surgery, laser surgery, nasal surgery, tracheotomy, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.
Research — finding answers, helping children
Research helps us to better understand the origins of airway disorders, and leads to new and better treatments. Current Airway Center research projects include study of the outcomes of standard reconstructive approaches, the genetics of congenital airway lesions, the role of growth factors with subglottic stenosis and airway healing, voice evaluation in children after laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR), and evaluation of outcomes of congenital versus acquired airway lesions.
For more information
We welcome the opportunity to discuss your child's needs. For more information or to request an appointment, please call us at 215-590-3440. Center hours are available on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Main Campus of Children's Hospital in Philadelphia.
Contact Us
- 215-590-3440
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