Need info on tracheomalacia?

Tracheal flattening: Usually do to weakness of the cartilage "rings" along front wall of trachea. Usually these cartilage rings are u-shaped and prop the trachea open. Some call invagination of the soft back wall of trachea as tracheomalacia. Not really, but has same effect of narrowing the tracheal opening. In latter case, can place flat prosthesis to keep soft posterior wall from invaginating in. Can also stent.

Uncommon problem: Tracheomalacia is collapse of the trachea. It is very uncommon except in certain circumstances, such as people who have had major tracheal or esophagus surgery, occasionally heart surgery, or infant surgery to repair t-e fistula.