Drug Coated Airway Balloon Trial

New Therapeutic Clinical Trial for Patients With Benign Subglottic and Tracheal Stenosis Begins Recruitment

Shumon I. Dhar, M.D., FACS

April 16, 2026

UT Southwestern is among a select group of medical centers in the nation recruiting patients for a multi-institutional, prospective clinical trial for patients suffering from laryngotracheal stenosis. The study is investigating the effectiveness of a novel drug-coated (Paclitaxel) dilation balloon for the treatment of adult benign upper airway stenosis in adults.

Currently, subglottic and tracheal stenosis can be treated with one of three general modalities: endoscopic dilation, endoscopic resection, and open cricotracheal resection. In addition, office-based serial steroid injections have been useful for some patients, prolonging the interval between operative interventions. The recurrence of stenosis after these current treatments remains a challenge for physicians caring for these patients.

We hypothesize the use of this novel drug-coated dilation balloon will significantly reduce the key problem of scar re-formation, prolonging the interval between interventions or preventing a symptomatic recurrence. Clinicians who want to refer patients to the trial may email our local trial coordinator, Paula Arellano-Cruz: Paula.Arellano-Cruz@UTSouthwestern.edu