Abstract
Background and Objective:Stenting may be indicated for the maintenance of airway patency in selected cases in children. Metallic and plastic stents are the most frequently used but complications have been reported repeatedly. Herein, we show our experience with a new type of biodegradable polydioxanone stent evaluating its safety and effectiveness in the setting of severe tracheal narrowing in children.
Patients and methods: Seven custom-made polydioxanone stents were implanted in two infants with severe airway narrowing due to an extensive tracheal re-stenosis after a failed slide tracheoplasty in one case (6 stents) , and a persistent tracheomalacia after aortopexy in the other. Stent size ranged from 5-8mm diameter and 15-30mm length. All the devices were inserted bronchoscopically under general anaesthesia.
Results: There were no complications related to stent placement. Tracheal narrowing relief and clinical improvement were achieved in both patients (age, 5 and 8 months). One patient needed repeat stenting after stent absorption, but no stent displacement, perforation, bleeding, or significant granulation tissue were observed during the study. Time of follow-up was 2 years and one month respectively.
Conclusions: Biodegradable stents are a new and attractive alternative to metallic or plastic stents when dealing with severe airway narrowing in children. Although promising, further clinical studies are necessary in order to establish the precise criteria for the use of absorbable stents in children.
- © 2014 ERS