title: AERO self-expanding hybrid stent for airway stenosis.
abstract: Self-expanding metal, as well as silicon, stents have long been available for use in the airway. Metal stents can be placed using a flexible bronchoscope and are less readily removed. Silicone stents require rigid bronchoscopy and general anesthesia for placement but are removable. Both technologies are prone to complications on a long-term basis. A new self-expanding hybrid stent, the AERO stent (Alveolus, Inc., NC, USA), combines the best features of metal and silicone stents with a completely covered nitinol framework. The potential advantages of a self-expanding hybrid stent include placement using flexible bronchoscopy under conscious sedation, easy removability and a potential reduction in common long-term stent implant complications. This article profiles the AERO device and evaluates stent technology in general.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary & Critical Medicine, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. mehtaa1@ccf.org
authors.forename: Atul C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Mehta
mesh_terms: D000497:Alloys; D002404:Catheterization; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D015607:Stents / Q000191:economics; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; C013616:nitinol