What are some conditions an airway stent can help with?
ANSWER
Advanced cancer or certain other conditions can constrict or compress an airway tube (bronchus). If the bronchus becomes blocked, difficulty breathing, cough, and pneumonia can result.
Using a bronchoscope, a doctor can advance a wire mesh stent into a narrowed airway. Expanding the stent can open a bronchus and relieve symptoms caused by the constriction.
Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian on January 15, 2020
SOURCES:
Mason, R. Murray and Nadel’s Textbook of Respiratory Medicine, 5th edition, Saunders, 2010.
Kennedy. M.P. Seminars in Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, 2008; vol 29: pp 453-464.
Yoneda, K.Y. Clinical Lung Cancer, 2007; vol 8: pp 535-547.
Haas, A.R. Chest, 2007; vol 132: pp 1036-1041.
Folch, E. Seminars in Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, 2008; vol 29: pp 441-452.
SOURCES:
Mason, R. Murray and Nadel’s Textbook of Respiratory Medicine, 5th edition, Saunders, 2010.
Kennedy. M.P. Seminars in Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, 2008; vol 29: pp 453-464.
Yoneda, K.Y. Clinical Lung Cancer, 2007; vol 8: pp 535-547.
Haas, A.R. Chest, 2007; vol 132: pp 1036-1041.
Folch, E. Seminars in Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, 2008; vol 29: pp 441-452.
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