Abstract
Introduction: Airway complications after Lung Transplantation(LTx) include bronchial stenoses which require balloon dilatations and stenting and cause complications such as infection and granulation tissue. Biodegradable stents may provide a safer alternative.
Aims: To describe two recently transplanted patients with bronchial stenoses treated using customised, biodegradable, polydioxanone stents (PDS).
Methods: Two lung transplant recipients with cystic fibrosis were diagnosed with bronchus intermedius (Pt 1) and bilateral (left main bronchus and bronchus intermedius–Pt 2) stenoses in the first 3 months post LTx.
Results: Pt 1 (46-year-old, male) was managed with 6 balloon dilatations and required 2 admissions for infections for Pseudomonas aeruginosa(PsA) before a PDS was inserted.FEV1 improved from 1.7L to >3L, with no admissions for infection since.Pt 2 (21 year old, female) positive for Burkholderia multivorans and PsA was initially managed with bilateral metal stents which were converted to PDS.There was significant reduction in granulation tissue caused by the metal stents after PDS insertion. Stents were absorbed within 8 weeks.
Conclusions: PDS were safe and effective in restoring the patency of the airway in post LTx airway stenoses and were absorbed by the bronchial mucosa without granulation tissue formation or infections. More experience is required to assess their long term efficacy.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, PA3496.
This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.
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 2021
