Treatment of inoperable tracheobronchial obstructive lesions with the Palmaz stent

Purpose: The treatment of inoperable tracheobronchial stenoses with Palmaz stents is analyzed in terms of the clinical effect, typical complications, and long-term follow-up. Methods: Twenty-seven Palmaz stents were placed in 22 patients with the help of a rigid bronchoscope. Results: Stents were implanted in the distal trachea, the main bronchi, and the lower lobe bronchi. Twenty-one of 22 patients reported an immediate subjective improvement in their respiratory situation. The mean survival time was 12 months; in two patients the stents were well tolerated for up to 40 months. A redilation of three stents was successful up to 33 months. In three cases a dislocation of the stent was observed; after bronchoscopic retraction a new stent was successfully implanted in each case. Conclusion: Treatment of inoperable tracheobronchial stenoses with the Palmaz stent is a safe procedure that provides an immediate improvement of the patient's pulmonary situation. The Palmaz stent shows a minimal complication rate in the long-term follow-up.