A novel anatomy-conforming metallic stent for tracheobronchial stenosis.
OBJECTIVE
A metallic stent for tracheobronchial stenosis provides a possible solution for poststenting complications such as sputum retention. We describe our experience with a novel anatomy-conforming metal stent placement at the carina.


METHODS
A windowed stent was designed to match the tracheobronchial anatomy. The lateral window was used as a passage from the trachea to the contralateral main bronchus.


RESULTS
Six windowed stents were placed in 6 patients (mean age, 52.3 years). Two patients received an additional short straight stent placed in the contralateral bronchus, forming an overall Y stent at the carina. All patients had immediate relief from respiratory distress, and no sputum retention or stent migration occurred during the subsequent treatment period. Follow-up data showed that 4 patients are still alive. One patient died 2 months after stent placement of postradiation hemoptysis, and another died of metastasis 14 months after stent placement.


CONCLUSIONS
This anatomy-conforming metal stent has several advantages and its application in carinal stenosis is both effective and safe.
Chen
Chang
C
Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Tongji University-Affiliated Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Shanghai, China. changchenc@hotmail.com
Jiang
Sen
S
D000328:Adult; D000497:Alloys; D001982:Bronchial Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000628:therapy*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000628:therapy*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000628:therapy; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000628:therapy; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy; D015607:Stents; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014134:Tracheal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000628:therapy*
D000497:Alloys; C013616:nitinol