Endoscopy 2003; 35(10): 858-860
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-42615
Case Report
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Y-Nitinol Airway Stent for Management of Central Airway Compression Due to Metastatic Colon Cancer

R.  W.  Hauck 1 , P.  Born 2 , H.  Helmberger 3 , S.  Bülau 2 , R.  M.  Lembeck 1 , T.  Rösch 2
  • 1Department of Internal Medicine II, Krankenhaus Bad Reichenhall, Bad Reichenhall, Germany
  • 2Department of Internal Medicine II, Technische Universität, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
  • 3Institute for Diagnostic Radiology, Technische Universität, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Submitted 12 September 2002

Accepted after Revision 26 May 2003

Publication Date:
10 October 2003 (online)

Introduction

Tumors in the mediastinum, in the area between the esophagus and the tracheobronchial tree, can cause several complications, but mainly may lead to strictures in one or both organs [1]. This results in dysphagia and dyspnea, the latter due to airway compression. Further reasons for the same problems can be post-radiation strictures of both organs which sometimes have to be distinguished from the original tumor stenosis. However, another important cause of airway compression is the insertion of metal stents or plastic tubes in patients with stenosing proximal esophageal cancers [2]. So far, this complication has been mostly treated by implantation of a bifurcating dynamic Y-stent or a Dumon silicone stent, procedures which have to be performed with the patient under general anesthesia [3] [4] [5].

In this report, an innovative fiberbronchoscopic technique is described which enables intracorporeal construction of a prosthetic ”Y” device comprising two self-expanding tracheal nitinol stents, and which can be carried out with the patient under conscious sedation.

References

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R. W. Hauck, M.D.

Department of Internal Medicine II, Krankenhaus Bad Reichenhall

Riedelstr. 5 · 83435 Bad Reichenhall · Germany

Fax: + 49-8651-772682

Email: hauck@krankenhaus-bad-reichenhall.de