Tracheobronchial Stenting

Patients

Air reaches the lungs via a network of airways, starting with the trachea, which bifurcates into the left and right main bronchi before dividing into ever smaller airways that finally reach the alveoli, or air sacs, where gases are exchanged with the blood stream. These passageways that lead from your nose and mouth to your lungs may become obstructed as a result of cancerous tumor growth (malignant neoplasms) or as a result of inflammation or other benign reasons. These obstructions, or strictures, narrow the airway, restricting airflow and limiting the normal exchange of gases that takes place in your lungs with your blood – oxygenation of your blood and removal of carbon dioxide from blood returning from body tissues.

To minimize the discomfort associated with these stricutres, your physician may recommend placing a self-expanding metal stent, or wire mesh tube, into the obstructed airway. The stent is delivered over thin wire on a catheter and expands by itself once placed in the stricture. It exerts constant outward pressure on the airway, helping to keep it open. Over time, it is likely to become incorporated into the wall of the airway but is intended to continue to hold the vessel open. Patients often report becoming unaware of the stent after just a few days.

Some tracheobronchial stents are covered with a very thin polyurethane-based covering, called PET or PTFE, which is intended to prevent excessive tissue ingrowth through the stent interstices.

Tracheobronchial stenting is not for everyone. Please discuss with your physician whether it may be appropriate for you.