Airway Team

The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) has brought together a team of specialists devoted to the medical and surgical management of complex pediatric airway disorders to create a unique, multidisciplinary program - the only one of its kind in the Northeastern United States.

"Together, the Airway Team develops new approaches to complex medical and surgical challenges that best serve each patient’s individual needs." Sanjay Parikh, MD Director of Pediatric Otolaryngology

Known as The Airway Team, this group of nationally renowned physicians lend their expertise and innovation to the care of children with tracheal obstruction or masses; feeding disorders; sleep abnormalities including apneas; and “blue spells.” The team treats patients, ranging from newborns to age 21, with conditions including laryngo- and tracheomalacia; tracheal and sub-glottic stenosis; sub-glottal webs; complete tracheal rings; laryngeal papillomatosis and other congenital and acquired airway disease due to accident or intubation.

"Our collaborative approach streamlines patient care by having all the medical and surgical subspecialties involved meet with patients and their families at one time, in one setting." Samuel Weinsein, MD Director of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery

The Airway Team at CHAM includes Sanjay R. Parikh, MD, director of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Samuel Weinstein, MD, director of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Alfin G. Vicencio, MD, assistant professor of Pediatrics, Section of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine. The interaction of several disciplines acting in concert benefits both patients and their families since all the necessary specialties are directly involved from the beginning. A multidisciplinary evaluation of the patient is followed by a conference which may incorporate additional pediatric airway specialists including anesthesiologists, pediatric critical care specialists, pediatric radiologists, as well as highly skilled nursing staff, with all participants drawing on their particular capabilities to devise the best treatment plan possible.

“It is rare to assemble a team whose members encompass numerous subspecialty interests, share a common goal for management, and work so well together.” Alfin Vincencio, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine

CHAM’s Airway Team uses highly sophisticated technology to assess patients’ pulmonary function including non-invasive techniques such as virtual bronchoscopy, a state-of-the-art sleep study and a specialized procedure to test infants’ breathing capabilities. Some conditions, such as certain apneas, may be managed using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BPAP) or other techniques. When surgery, such as tracheal resection, is indicated, the team’s pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon supports these complex procedures, including those that require heart/lung bypass.

Meghan D. Kelly, MS, CCLS