Metallic endoprostheses for malignant tracheobronchial obstruction: initial experience.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of the Wallstent endoprosthesis in malignant tracheobronchial obstruction.


METHODS
Seven patients with irresectable carcinoma of the bronchus were treated with nine Wallstent endoprostheses. The procedures were performed under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. Wallstent endoprostheses ranging from 8-16 mm in diameter and 26-49 mm in length were deployed after balloon dilatation of the strictures.


RESULTS
All stents were successfully deployed in the desired positions. There was one procedural complication and one procedure related death. Three patients showed significant improvement in respiratory status after stenting. At a mean follow-up of 5.1 months, there has been no stent migration, fracture, or collapse. One patient had proximal tumor overgrowth that was treated with additional stent insertion. One patient died after a bout of massive hemoptysis 3 months poststenting and it was difficult to tell whether this was related to the endoprosthesis.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of the Wallstent endoprosthesis in malignant tracheobronchial obstruction is technically feasible.
Tan
B S
BS
Division of Radiological Sciences, United Medical and Dental School, Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, London, United Kingdom.
Watkinson
A F
AF
Dussek
J E
JE
Adam
A N
AN
D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D001984:Bronchial Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D001995:Bronchography / Q000295:instrumentation; D020680:Bronchoscopes; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation; D004106:Dilatation / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008670:Metals; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D015607:Stents; D014134:Tracheal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*
D008670:Metals