Endobronchial ultrasound shows (A) trachea, and (B) right main bronchus. Endobronchial ultrasound shows (A) trachea, and (B) right main bronchus. Tracheal and bronchial cartilages were intact, but the tracheal cartilage was flat (horizontal) during expiration, suggesting weakness. The submucosal layer of the trachea and right main bronchus was thick (1) due to inflammation, and the tracheal cartilage shows a slight thickening with normal bronchial cartilage (2). C: Vibration response imaging shows a floating image (1) and fluttering image (2) in both lungs before stent insertion. D. After stent insertion, floating and fluttering disappeared. Hiroshi Handa et al. Respir Care 2012;57:634-641 (c) 2012 by Daedalus Enterprises, Inc.