Esophageal stent improves ventilation in a child with a broncho-esophageal fistula caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The deployment of an esophageal stent to aid in the ventilation of a child who had developed an acquired broncho-esophageal fistula caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is described. The 12-month-old boy presented with respiratory failure requiring ventilation. The air leak via the fistula led to inadequate mechanical ventilation. The deployment of the stent resulted in successful ventilation, closure of the fistula, and eventual successful treatment. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.