IMPLANTATION ELASTISCHER METALLENDOPROTHESEN BEI TRACHEALSTENOSEN UND TRACHEOMALAZIE. ERSTE ERGEBNISSE BEI 4 PATIENTEN

Narrowing of the trachea due to tracheomalacia or compression can lead to life-threatening asphyxia and may require tracheotomy with intubation or endoscopic introduction of a stent. The use of a self-expanding elastic metal prosthesis in 4 patients with airway obstruction has proved a satisfactory alternative to conventional plastic prostheses, both in the acute phase and over a long period of time. After 4 weeks total epithelium cover of the stent could be demonstrated; biopsies after 3 and 4 months showed differentiation into respiratory ciliated epithelium. Patient acceptance was excellent since there was no sensation of a foreign body, retention of secretions or cough. The physical properties of the wall stent made it a suitable mechanical replacement for an unstable or narrowed trachea during the period of observation.