title: The Westaby T-Y tracheobronchial stent in otolaryngology.
abstract: The Westaby T-Y tracheobronchial silicone stent can be used for the relief of upper airway obstruction beyond the limit of a standard tracheostomy tube. We report on our experience in the use of the Westaby tube in 10 patients over a five-year period. The general features of the tube, indications for its use, and its method of insertion are described. The versatility and advantages over other stents are discussed. Two cases reports are described and the clinical course and outcomes of the individual patients are outlined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Lacy
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Fenton
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Smyth
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Colreavy
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: T P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: O'Dwyer
authors.forename: C V
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Timon
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000601:surgery*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015607:Stents; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000295:instrumentation*