title: Treatment of inoperable tracheobronchial obstructive lesions with the Palmaz stent.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The treatment of inoperable tracheobronchial stenoses with Palmaz stents is analyzed in terms of the clinical effect, typical complications, and long-term follow-up.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-seven Palmaz stents were placed in 22 patients with the help of a rigid bronchoscope.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Stents were implanted in the distal trachea, the main bronchi, and the lower lobe bronchi. Twenty-one of 22 patients reported an immediate subjective improvement in their respiratory situation. The mean survival time was 12 months; in two patients the stents were well tolerated for up to 40 months. A redilation of three stents was successful up to 33 months. In three cases a dislocation of the stent was observed; after bronchoscopic retraction a new stent was successfully implanted in each case. CONCLUSIONoff Treatment of inoperable tracheobronchial stenoses with the Palmaz stent is a safe procedure that provides an immediate improvement of the patient's pulmonary situation. The Palmaz stent shows a minimal complication rate in the long-term follow-up.
authors: Institut für Röntgendiagnostik der Universität Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 2, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Beer
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Wittenberg
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Sandstede
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Beissert
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Schmidt
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Ender
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Krahe
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Hahn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D001982:Bronchial Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D015607:Stents; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome