Author commentary on Haisheng Qian et al.

Haisheng Qian et al. Endoscopic management of refractory gastrointestinal–tracheobronchial fistulas with two novel occluders: a comparative cohort study

The occlusion rate of upper GI–tracheobronchial fistulas using two novel endoscopically inserted nitinol occluders was retrospectively assessed in 86 patients with refractory fistulas. Cumulative probability of successful fistula occlusion at 12 months was 82.1% and 65.5% for the mushroom umbrella (MU)-shaped and double umbrella (DU)-shaped occluders, respectively. Esophageal wall injury requiring occluder removal occurred in six DU patients, but in none of the MU group. Although the MU occluder shows greater potential, further prospective studies are needed.

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Publication History

Article published online:
15 December 2025