Self-expandable prostheses in the tracheobronchial tree.
Under endoscopic and radiologic control, two types of self-expandable metal prostheses were implanted in tracheobronchial lesions to help reestablish airway caliber. Thirty-nine metal stent prostheses (6-20 mm in diameter) and 35 Gianturco stents (30 mm in diameter) were used in 55 adult patients with 62 lesions of the trachea (n = 33) or bronchi (n = 29). All lesions except one were endoscopically confirmed to be noninflammatory. Immediately after implantation, radiologic and endoscopic studies verified reestablishment of a satisfactory airway diameter in all patients. At a mean follow-up of 10.35 (range, 3-27) months, improvement in the respiratory status of 49 of the 55 patients (89%) was maintained and tolerance of the device was excellent. For the Wallstent endoprosthesis, the six complications observed at endoscopy were successfully treated. The Gianturco stent, however, led to a high rate of complications: 30% of cases had migration and/or rupture of the metallic mesh, potentially leading to obstruction or wall perforation; one case of respiratory distress was fatal. This procedure offers rapid epithelialization and incorporation of the device into the tracheobronchial wall.
Rousseau
H
H
Department of Radiology, CHU Rangueil, Toulouse, France.
Dahan
M
M
Lauque
D
D
Carré
P
P
Didier
A
A
Bilbao
I
I
Herrero
J
J
Blancjouvant
F
F
Joffre
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001982:Bronchial Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*