Treatment of inoperable tracheobronchial obstructive lesions with the Palmaz stent.
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.
Beer
M
M
Institut für Röntgendiagnostik der Universität Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 2, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany.
Wittenberg
G
G
Sandstede
J
J
Beissert
M
M
Schmidt
M
M
Ender
J
J
Krahe
T
T
Hahn
D
D
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