Abstract
Abstract The self-expandable metallic stents have been widely used in tracheobronchial obstruction or fistulation, including the J-shaped and Y-shaped stents, named after the shape of the branch-stem junction of the stent. However, there is scarce data on the mechanical performance of these tracheobronchial stents, which is essential for optimal stent implantation. In this work, eight self-expandable metallic tracheobronchial stents in three types (i.e., straight, J-shaped, and Y-shaped), with or without cover, were characterized. The compression resistance of the stems was investigated through both compression and indentation tests. The bending resistance of the branches in the J-shaped and Y-shaped stents was assessed through the bending test. Our results demonstrated that the covered stents exhibited a significantly higher compression resistance and bending resistance than the uncovered ones. The branches had a minimal impact on the compression resistance of the stem. The branch of the J-shaped stent showed a significantly lower bending resistance than the Y shaped one. This work provides a testing framework for the J-shaped and Y-shaped stents,which could shed some light on the optimal design of stent with branches.
Highlights
Tracheobronchial obstruction or fistulation is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate therapy to restore the airflow
The self-expandable metallic stents have been widely used in tracheobronchial obstruction or fistulation, including the J-shaped and Y-shaped stents, named after the shape of the branch-stem junction of the stent
Our results demonstrated that the covered stents exhibited a significantly higher compression resistance and bending resistance than the uncovered ones
Summary
Tracheobronchial obstruction or fistulation is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate therapy to restore the airflow. The self-expandable metallic stents, originating from treating the blocked artery, have become widely used for tracheobronchial obstruction and fistulation during the last two decades [2,3,4]. The deployment of the J-shaped or Y-shaped stents in the bifurcation lesions will lead to a more complex mechanical response in the lesion compared with the deployment of the straight stent [8]. These stents are usually covered with a silicon membrane to mitigate the tissue ingrowth [9], as well as to facilitate the stent removal [10]. The partially covered stent was designed to take advantage of the merits of both the covered stent and the bare-metal one [11]
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