Self-expandable Metallic Airway Stents Research Articles

Comparison of operation time, efficacy and safety between through-the-scope stent and over-the-while stent in malignant central airway obstruction: a multi-center randomized control trial.

BackgroundSelf-expandable metallic (SEM) airway stents are an important approach to treating malignant central airway obstruction (CAO). Standard over-the-while (OTW) stent needs the guidance of a guide-wire. It should be implanted under flouroscopy or the guidance of bronchoscope visualization. In this study, we evaluated the operation time and safety between OTW stent and a novel through-the-scope (TTS) SEM airway stent.MethodsIn this multi-center, randomized, parallel-group superiority study, malignant CAO patients were enrolled randomly assigned (2:1) to the TTS stent implantation group (TTS group) or the standard OTW stent group (OTW group) in six sites across China. The entire process of all surgical procedures was recorded by video. Primary endpoint was the operation time of the airway stent implantation and secondary endpoint was the success rate of the stent implantation as well as its efficacy and safety.ResultsFrom May 15, 2017, to December 30, 2018, 148 patients were enrolled from the six sites. We analyzed 134 patients (including 91 patients from the TTS group and 43 patients from the OTW group) according to the per-protocol set. There were no significant differences in the ages, genders, underlying diseases, and stenosis sites between the two groups. The operation time in the TTS group was significantly shorter than that in the OTW group (104±68 vs. 252±111 seconds, P<0.001). Compared to the OTW group, the efficacy of stent implantation (97.80% vs. 90.70%, P=0.093) and rate of first-time successful stent implantation (78.02% vs. 74.42%, P=0.668) were higher in the TTS group, but did not reach statistically significance. The rates of granulation (28.57% vs. 41.86%, P=0.128) and restenosis (15.38% vs. 30.23%, P=0.064) in the TTS group were slightly lower as compared with the OTW group without achieving statistical significance.ConclusionsThe TTS stent implantation procedure time was significantly shorter than that of the OTW airway stent with similar efficacy and complications, which might reduce the risk and flexibility of stent implantation.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IOR-17011431.

Beware of spurious tracheo-bronchial stents

ObjectiveTo present a case of accidental sheath removal of tracheo-bronchial self-expandable metallic airway stent in a patient with endotracheal tumour. MethodsDesign: Case Report; Setting: Tertiary care hospital; Patient: One. ResultsA 65 years male, follow up case of endotracheal tumor with tracheo-bronchial self-expandable metallic stenting done presented with dry cough and difficulty in breathing since 8–10 days and suddenly coughed out thin whitish paper-like material 2 days back (which later proved as sheath of metallic stent). Direct laryngoscopy with flexible videobronchoscopy was done which showed tracheal stent well placed and intact, coughed out sheath couldn't be replaced back. Procedure was uneventful and patient was discharged in satisfactory condition and is doing well on regular follow up. ConclusionSelf-expandable metallic airway stents (SEMAS) represents a standard method of airways stenting especially when employed for the management of malignant central airway obstruction. Despite the obvious stenting advantages, it may be complicated with stent migration and accidental removal or coughing out of stent especially in high tracheal stenosis. In our case, as a peculiar complication there was accidental removal of the tracheal stent sheath which couldn't be replaced back whereas stent was well in place and intact. We need to be beware of such spurious tracheo-bronchial stents.

Fluoroscopic removal of self-expandable metallic airway stent in patients with airway stenosis.

To study the safety and efficacy of fluoroscopic removal of self-expandable metallic stent for airway stenosis.We conducted a retrospective analysis of 67 consecutive patients, 39 male and 28 female, who underwent fluoroscopic stent removal from March 2011 to April 2017. The patients ranged in age from 12 to 85 years. Seventy-six airway stents were implanted, 70 covered stents and 6 bare stents, including 9 stents for second stent implantation after removal. All patients underwent chest computed tomography scans with/without bronchoscopy before stent removal. The indication of stent removal and postinterventional complications were analyzed retrospectively.Seventy-four of 76 airway stents were successfully removed, only 2 stent showed retained struts after removal, for a technical success rate of 97.4%. Two patients died of complications (1 hemorrhage and 1 respiratory failure), resulting in a clinical success rate of 94.7%. Five stents showed strut fracture and the remaining 71 stents were removed in 1 piece. Indications for stent removal include planned removal (n = 40), excessive granulation tissue (n = 15), intolerance of stenting (n = 6), inadequate expansion and deformation (n = 5), stent migration (n = 5), replacement of bare stent (n = 4), and strut fracture (n = 1). There were 17 complications of stent removal: death from massive bleeding (n = 1), restenosis requires stenting (n = 9), strut fracture or residue (n = 5), dyspnea requires mechanical ventilation (n = 2). The survival rates were 83.8%, 82.1%, and 82.1% for 0.5, 3, and 6 years.Fluoroscopic removal of airway stent is technically feasible and effective. Stents are recommended for removal within 3 months for treating airway stenosis.

Metallic stent insertion and removal for post-tracheotomy and post-intubation tracheal stenosis.

To study the safety and effectiveness of fluoroscopic insertion and removal of self-expandable metallic airway stent for post-tracheotomy tracheal stenosis (PTTS) and post-intubation tracheal stenosis (PITS). We conducted a retrospective analysis of 32 patients who underwent fluoroscopic stenting from September 2011 to March 2017. The patients ranged in age from 12 to 69years. Thirty-eight airway stents were implanted, 35 covered stents and three bare stents. Nineteen airway stents were used for 16 cases of PITS or PTTS. All patients underwent chest CT scans with/without bronchoscopy prior to stent removal. The indication of stent removal and post-interventional complications were analyzed. All 38 airway stents were successfully inserted. Insufficient expansion and tissue hyperplasia were most common complications after stenting. Thirty five of 38 airway stents were successfully removed fluoroscopically, with a technical success rate of 92.1%. Routine removal was performed after 2.9 ± 0.3months, and stent restenosis was found after a mean duration of 2.7 ± 0.3months. There were six complications of stent removal with no death. Four stents showed strut fracture after removal, of which three stent pieces retained. Two patients showed dyspnea immediately after removal and required mechanical ventilation in PTTS. One patient with PTTS lost of follow-up during a mean period of 33.7 ± 3.9months. The one-, three- and five-year patency rates were 87.1%, 76.2% and 70.8%, respectively. There was no significant difference between PITS and PTTS. Fluoroscopic insertion and removal of airway stent is safe and effective for PITS and PTTS. A three-month retention time is reasonable for airway stents.

Short-Term Use of Uncovered Self-Expanding Metallic Airway Stents for Severe Expiratory Central Airway Collapse

Background: Patients with severe symptomatic expiratory central airway collapse (ECAC) undergo a stent trial to determine whether they are candidate for tracheobronchoplasty. Most stent trials were done using silicone stents. However, there was a higher number of silicone stent-related complications. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of short-term uncovered self-expanding metallic airway stents (USEMAS) in patients with ECAC. Methods: This was a retrospective review. Baseline measurements were compared to those obtained after 7-14 days. Measurements included: Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), Cough Quality of Life Questionnaire (CQLQ), spirometry testing, and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Stent- and procedure-related complications were reported. Results: 33 patients (median age, 52 years) underwent the USEMAS trial. Presenting symptoms were dyspnea in 100%, intractable cough in 90.3%, recurrent infection in 42.2%, and inability to clear secretions in 21.4%. Dyspnea, cough, and secretion clearance improved in 88, 70, and 57%, respectively. Overall, there was a significant improvement in mMRC (p < 0.001), CQLQ (p = 0.015), and 6MWT (p = 0.015). There was 1 airway infection, 1 stent migration, and 1 pneumothorax. The median duration of USEMAS was 7 days. All stents were removed without any complications. At the time of stent removal, no granulation tissue was observed in 30.9%, and mild granulation tissue was observed in 69.1%. Conclusion: The short-term USEMAS trial improves respiratory symptoms, quality of life, and exercise capacity with few complications in patients with severe symptomatic ECAC when performed by a multidisciplinary airway team in highly specialized centers with experience in the evaluation and treatment of this patient population.

Endobronchial-Covered Stent Insertion as a Therapeutic Option in Massive Hemoptysis Caused by Lung Cancer

SESSION TITLE: Bronchology Student/Resident Case Report Posters SESSION TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Report PRESENTED ON: Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at 01:30 PM 02:30 PM INTRODUCTION: Among the myriad clinical presentations of lung cancer, life threatening hemoptysis may be the most difficult to treat. Identification of the site of bleeding within the airways plays a key role in the approach to management, as the location dictates the most efficacious treatment option. The most common treatments include pharmacological, bronchoscopic intervention, vascular embolization and surgical resection. We herein report a novel approach to massive hemoptysis in a patient found to have an actively bleeding carinal mass invading and obstructing the right main bronchus. CASE PRESENTATION: 66-year-old Caucasian female with past medical history of hypertension and smoking presented with massive hemoptysis which was immediately and successfully controlled and airway patency reestablished with the insertion of an endobronchial-covered stent. The mass was identified at bronchoscopy as squamous cell carcinoma and the patient was later referred for radiation therapy. Four weeks later, after receiving a total of 5 sessions of radiotherapy, the patient presented with throat discomfort and odynophagia. Computed tomography scan showed tumor reduction with increased lumen size of the right main bronchus and migration of the stent into the hypopharynx. The stent was successfully removed without incident. No episodes of additional hemoptysis occurred. DISCUSSION: When alternative treatment modalities fail or are precluded by the central location of the bleeding site, covered endobronchial stent placement should be considered an indispensible option in this select group of patients, as it can achieve immediate airway patency as well as tamponade of the bleeding focus. CONCLUSIONS: Complications of endobronchial stent placement including migration and perforation should be identified and treated early. Reference #1: Saad CP, Murthy S, Krizmanich G, Mehta AC. Self-expandable metallic airway stents and flexible bronchoscopy: long-term outcomes analysis. Chest. 2003; 124:1993-9. Reference #2: Brandes JC, Schmidt E, Yung R. Occlusive endobronchial stent placement as a novel management approach to massive hemoptysis from lung cancer. J Thorac Oncol. 2008; 3:1071-2 FREE TO VIEW

Right bronchopleural fistula treated with a novel, Y-shaped, single-plugged, covered, metallic airway stent

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is an infrequent but life-threatening complication after pneumonectomy. The incidence of BPF reported in the literature varies from 0.3% to 20%. To determine the feasibility and efficacy of using Y-shaped, single-plugged, covered, metallic stents to treat right bronchopleural fistulas. We have designed a Y-shaped, single-plugged, covered, self-expandable, metallic airway stent to fit the specific anatomy of the right main bronchus. The stent has a main tube and two branches, resembling an inverted "Y". One of the branches is closed (plugged) and bullet-shaped; the other one tubular and open. The entire stent is encased in a nitinol wire mesh. Stent size can be individualized using multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) measurements of the airways. Under fluoroscopic guidance, we have implanted 15 Y-shaped stents in 15 patients with right bronchopleural fistulas. Stent insertion was successful in all patients. All fistulas were successfully closed immediately after stent placement. Follow-up was performed for 1-34 months. Positive clinical outcomes were seen in 13 of 15 patients. Two patients died of intractable pulmonary infection and multiorgan failure. The fistula completely healed and the stent could be removed in five patients; however, two of them were left with a small, aseptic, residual right lung cavity. The remaining eight patients are still alive with the stent in situ. The placement of Y-shaped, single-plugged, covered, self-expandable metallic airway stents seems to be a feasible and safe method for the treatment of bronchopleural fistulas involving the right main bronchus. This stent is a promising therapeutic alternative for bronchopleural fistulas involving the right main bronchus.

Cryotechnology for Staged Removal of Self-Expandable Metallic Airway Stents

Self-expandable covered metallic airway stents (SEMAS) deployed for relieving inoperable central airway obstruction frequently develop complications that require removal of the device. Current techniques for SEMAS removal also involve serious complications. We are reporting a novel two-staged endoscopic approach using cryotechnology for removal of SEMAS obstructed by exuberant granulation tissue in two patients. During the first stage, the obstructing intraluminal granulation tissue was removed with cryodebridement and residual extraluminal deposits were lysed with cryotherapy. During the second stage, performed two days later, the SEMAS was liberated by mechanical means and removed in one piece. The staged approach with cryotechnology was successful and without complications.

Removal of self expandable metallic airway stent: A rare case report

Covered self expandable metallic airway stents (SEMS) have been used for benign tracheal stenosis, post intubation tracheal stenosis, tracheal burn or trauma, tracheo-broncho-malacia, and extrinsic compression of trachea. Their placement is considered to be permanent, with open surgery the only way to remove the stent, though there are few cases reports of their removal with the bronchoscope, but the complications after their removal are very high. In our patient, one and a half years after placement of SEMS, she developed cough with dyspnoea, video bronchoscopy showed stenosis above the level of stent with granulation tissue inside the stent, stent fracture in lower part and stent migration to right main bronchus, thus she had all conceivable complications of stent placement. The stent was removed with the help of rigid bronchoscope under general anaesthesia. She was discharged the following day. The case is being reported because it was unique in having all the possible complications of stent placement, and rare as we could take out the stent in Toto. Thirdly, the stent could be removed without any complication.

Die endoskopische Therapie der Tumorobstruktion des Tracheobronchialsystems: eine Gegenüberstellung verfügbarer Techniken

Malignant central airway obstruction is a common problem in lung cancer. A symptomatic stenosis can often be treated successfully using endoscopy. Different approaches for recanalisation are available. The goal of treating exophytic obstruction is to remove the endobronchial tumour growth. Mechanic debulking, electrocautery/diathermy, argon plasma coagulation, laser resection and cryoextraction are techniques that can provide immediate relief. Cryotherapy, brachytherapy and photodynamic therapy show delayed recanalisation effects. Silicone or self-expanding metallic airway stents can be used for the treatment of airway obstruction due to extrinsic disease to restore and maintain airway patency.

Outcomes, Health-Care Resources Use, and Costs of Endoscopic Removal of Metallic Airway Stents

The use of self-expandable metallic airway stents (SEMAS) for airway compromise may be associated with significant complications requiring their removal/replacement. The aim of this study is to describe the complications, health-care resources use (HRU), and costs associated with endoscopic removal of SEMAS. A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent endoscopic removal of SEMAS during a 10-year period (January 2000-August 2009) was performed. HRU was analyzed in terms of the number of endoscopic procedures, hospital and ICU stay, need for mechanical ventilation and airway restenting, and estimation of respective hospital costs. Fifty-five SEMAS were removed from 46 patients with a mean age of 58.6 +/- 15.8 years. Eighty percent of the stents were placed for benign airway disorders with an average stent in situ duration of 292 days. The median number of removal and total procedures during each encounter was one and two, respectively. Patients required hospitalization and ICU admission in 78% and 39% of the encounters with a median length of stay of 3.5 and 0 days, respectively. The estimated median total cost per encounter to remove the stents was $10,700, ranging from $3,700 to $69,800. The measured outcomes were statistically significantly better when in situ stent duration was <or= 30 days (P < .05). Endoscopic removal of SEMAS is feasible; however, it is associated with significant complications, HRU, and costs. The use of SEMAS should be restricted to a well-selected patient population and should be planned by a team experienced with this type of therapeutic strategy.

Protective Effect of Immunosuppression on Granulation Tissue Formation in Metallic Airway Stents

The use of self-expanding metallic airway stents has been extended in recent years in inoperable patients with malignant and benign airway diseases. The risk of granulation tissue formation in the stent is a major concern. The objective of the present study was to determine whether immunosuppression modulates granulation tissue formation in airway stents, as seen in coronary stents. The study included 19 patients with benign airway obstructions and 11 recipients of lung transplants with anastomotic obstructions who were receiving immunosuppression therapy. The degree of in-stent granulation tissue formation was evaluated (score range, 0-3) every 3 months for 2 years. Granulation tissue formation was significantly lower in the transplant recipients than in the nontransplant patients at 3 months (score 0.7 vs. 1.6, P = .031), 15 months (score 0 vs. 1.1, P = .026), and 18 months (score 0 vs. 1.8, P = .020). During the 2 years of follow-up, the transplant recipients underwent significantly fewer laser resections and brachytherapy treatments for in-stent granulation. The immunosuppression given to lung transplant recipients may have an inhibitory effect on granulation tissue formation in metallic airway stents. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of systemic therapy or coated stents with drugs such as sirolimus.

Rare and Fatal Complication of Gianturco Tracheobronchial Stent

Tracheobronchial stents are increasingly being used for the management of compromised large airways. Traditionally they have been used to palliate malignant conditions; however, they are now being used more frequently for nonmalignant conditions. The use of Gianturco self-expanding metal stent (William Cook, Bjaeverskov, Denmark) has been challenged for treatment of tracheobroncheomalacia, as fracture of the metal work could prove fatal. In this report we describe a case of fracture in the metal framework of a Gianturco stent resulting in recurrent pneumothoraces; heralding fatal haemoptysis as a result of perforation of the left subclavian artery.

Removal of Covered Self-Expandable Metallic Airway Stents in Benign Disorders: Indications, Technique, and Outcomes

To describe the technique and outcome of removal of self-expandable metallic airway stents (SEMAS) in a series of patients who underwent stenting for benign airway stenoses.A retrospective cohort analysis of patients with benign airway disorders treated with SEMAS between 1997 and 2003, who presented with an indication for stent removal in a tertiary-care hospital, and referral interventional pulmonology clinic.During the study period, 49 SEMAS were inserted in 39 patients for treatment of benign airway disorders. Ten of these 39 patients (25.6%), bearing 12 covered stents, presented with an indication for stent removal. Data of these cases were extracted from electronic files kept in our institution archive.Indications for stent removal included excessive or recurrent granuloma formation (five cases), recurrence of stenosis after stent failure (one case), stent fracture (two cases), and accomplishment of treatment (two cases). In all of these cases, covered versions of SEMAS had been placed either in the trachea or in a main bronchus. In contrast to many previous reports, these stents proved to be absolutely retrievable even if some difficulties were encountered. In all cases, however, removal was successful without major complications. All patients resumed normal spontaneous ventilation postoperatively, and follow-up was uneventful. Average duration of stenting before removal was 16.2 +/- 17.5 months (+/- SD) [range, 1 to 60 months].We conclude that although placement of SEMAS is assumed to be permanent in patients with benign airway disorders, an indication for stent removal is often observed (25.6% in our series). The covered SEMAS can be effectively and safely removed if needed without major sequelae. Nevertheless, new technical improvements in metallic stent design and materials may help reinforce the concept of a retrievable metallic airway stent, which may offer significant clinical advantages.

The Role of Endobronchial Ultrasound and Self-expanding Metallic Airway Stents(Interventional Bronchology)

The Role of Endobronchial Ultrasound and Self-expanding Metallic Airway Stents(Interventional Bronchology)

S1-1 The Role of Endobronchial Ultrasound and Self-expanding Metallic Airway Stents

S1-1 The Role of Endobronchial Ultrasound and Self-expanding Metallic Airway Stents