Pediatric Airway Management

The Ark-La-Tex Craniofacial & Cleft Team provides evaluations of children with craniofacial conditions that affect breathing. The team provides interdisciplinary consultation on all children with airway obstruction due to a craniofacial condition, and gives unified recommendations to the family and physician.   

The team members include Pediatric Surgeons, Pediatric Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons/Craniofacial Surgeons, Pediatric Neurosurgeons, and Pediatric Otolaryngologists. 

How much experience do you have with airway management?
We have extensive experience in managing the respiratory disorders of children with craniofacial malformations.

Who gets an airway management evaluation?
The most common causes of airway problems in patients with craniofacial conditions are underdevelopment of the jaws, the trachea or the bronchi or the presence of a cleft palate. Many children with airway problems require admission to the intensive care unit right after birth. In the intensive care unit, a consult with our Team will be requested by your child's neonatologist (a physician trained specifically to handle complex and high-risk health problems in newborns).

In the outpatient setting, all children seen in the Craniofacial Center are evaluated for airway problems by our team. If a concern is raised, our Craniofacial Team will meet to discuss treatment options and recommend the most appropriate care plan for the child.

Be aware that these problems can be severe and even life-threatening. Do not hesitate to contact your physician or emergency services about your child's breathing.