Abstract
Self-expandable Y-shaped airway stents (SEMYS) are of great use in patients with central airway stenosis and fistula. Currently the predominant method of SEMYS deployment requires rigid bronchoscopy and fluoroscopy, and is limited by the lack of accessibility of such apparatuses.
We have developed a new technique for the deployment of SEMYS without rigid bronchoscopy or fluoroscopy. With a deployment assisting device made of a 7.5 or 8 internal diameter endotracheal tube, the procedure is performed with flexible bronchoscopy and with one guidewire.
Successful deployment of SEMYS with this technique has been carried out in 16 out of the 19 patients (84.2%). The duration from intubation to the end of the procedure was in the range of 18-120 minutes, and the deployment procedure from the insertion of the guide wire until the stent is fully released takes 6 to 25 minutes.
The patients were all inflicted by moderate to severe airway stenosis or fistula before the procedure, which are not easy to manage even with rigid bronchoscopy and fluoroscopy, but the procedures were all completed with mostly stable vital signs, and with a satisfactory success rate. It is safe, simple and cost-effective with properly selected patients. A short neck or swollen pharynx, stenosis with significant scarring and heavy bleeding within the airway are the major counterindications of this technique.
With cautious patient selection and adequate vital sign monitor, this method is ideal for institutions without the privileges of rigid bronchoscopy and fluoroscopy.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2019; 54: Suppl. 63, PA3146.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2019