Abstract:Objective To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC) treated by laser.Methods 13 patients with EDAC confirmed by bronchoscopy from January 2018 to August 2022 were selected and divided into a simple EDAC group (6 cases) and an EDAC combined with tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) group (7 cases) based on whether they were combined with TBM. All patients underwent laser tracheobronchoplasty under bronchoscope. Symptoms, airway collapse, oxygenation index, modified version of British Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale (mMRC) and 6 min walking test before and after treatment were compared to evaluate the therapeutic effect.Results 13 patients underwent 17 times of laser tracheobronchoplasty with laser power of 8~15 W, and 4 patients underwent 2 times of laser tracheobronchoplasty. After treatment, the clinical symptoms of cough, sputum, shortness of breath and dyspnea were improved in all patients.1 week post-treatment, the EDAC group showed a significant improvement in airway lumen stenosis, with a significant statistical difference (P < 0.05), 1 month post-treatment, enhancements were observed in airway stenosis, oxygenation index, FEV1%, 6-minute walk test, and mMRC, which remained stable over a 6 month follow-up. In the EDAC + TBM group, significant enhancements in airway stenosis, oxygenation index, and mMRC were noted 1 week post-treatment, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Between 8 d ~ 6 months post-treatment, some patients exhibited a recurrence of airway stenosis, necessitating comprehensive interventions like balloon dilation, cryotherapy, and stent insertion. Local necrosis and granuloma occurred in some patients after laser therapy, and no serious complications associated with laser intervention were found in all patients.Conclusion Laser tracheobronchoplasty is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of EDAC. For patients with EDAC alone, the therapeutic effect is good, but for patients with EDAC combined with TBM, the long-term effect is not good.