Use of endoscopically placed expandable nitinol tracheal stents in the treatment of tracheal stenosis

Laryngoscope. 1999 Jul;109(7 Pt 1):1130-3. doi: 10.1097/00005537-199907000-00023.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the potential utility of a new endoscopically placed expandable tracheal stent in the treatment of benign symptomatic stenoses of the cervical trachea.

Study design: Pilot study utilizing a prospectively followed case series.

Methods: An initial group of six patients undergoing stent placement was examined with rigid and flexible endoscopy under anesthesia immediately following stent placement and at postoperative 6 to 8 weeks. Subsequently each patient was followed clinically for a minimum of 6 months.

Results: All stents were well tolerated with no observed complications. Immediate reversal of symptomatic airway obstruction without the need for adjunctive tracheotomy was noted in every patient. At 6 weeks, endoscopic confirmation of complete intraluminal mucosalization without formation of any granulation tissue or scar bands within the stented areas was noted in each case.

Conclusions: This preliminary pilot study supports the use of nitinol expandable tracheal stents as an alternative in the treatment of benign symptomatic tracheal stenoses.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alloys*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prospective Studies
  • Stents* / adverse effects
  • Tracheal Stenosis / etiology
  • Tracheal Stenosis / therapy*

Substances

  • Alloys
  • nitinol