Types of tracheal atresia

Schematic diagram of tracheal atresia anatomic variations. In type I, the distal trachea communicates with the anterior aspect of the distal esophagus. In type II, there is complete agenesis of the trachea, and the carina and bifurcating mainstem bronchi arise directly from the anterior surface of the esophagus. In type III, there is no distal trachea and no carina. The right and left mainstem bronchi each arise separately from the anterior wall of the distal esophagus.