Tantalum tracheography in upper airway obstruction: 100 experiences in adults

A total of 100 tantalum cine laryngotracheograms were performed in adults with documented or suspected upper airway obstruction. With appropriate precautions, tantalum powder proved to be a safe material for delineating tracheal and laryngeal abnormalities. A cine recording to document tracheomalacia as well as a careful evaluation of the larynx are useful extensions of examination of patients with suspected upper airway obstruction. Tracheomalacia was found in 35% of our series; 29% showed laryngeal abnormalities. With modifications to correct for magnification, the tantalum tracheogram gives the surgeon the exact length of trachea to be resected. When tantalum becomes approved by the Food and Drug Administration, we expect that tantalum cine laryngotracheography will be the preferred means for study of upper airway obstruction.