Argon plasma coagulation combined with bifurcated metal stents for treatment of airway stenosis in the carinal region A 16-case analysis / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

A total of 16 patients with airway stenosis including benign lesion (n=4) and malignant disease (n=12) were treated with argon plasma coagulation (APC) and Z-type covered retrievable metallic stent.L-and I-type stents were placed by guidance of brenchoscope,while Y-type stent was placed by the guidance of both bronchoscope and fluoroscope.Airway stenosis was from (58.8 +9.1)% before APC to (7.5±2.4)% after APC in tracheal,from (67.4±7.4)% to (19.4±4.1)% in left main bronchus,from (69.6±8.9)% to (27.6±5.4)% in right main bronchus.Symptoms of chest distress and breathlessness were improved remarkably,tachypnea indexes were decreased,but Kamofsky performance scope were increased.Twelve stents were successfully installed by the first time,including 9 Y-shape;otherwise,4 stents failed to be installed because the carinal was too wide to insert the Y-shape stent in two patients with lung cancer,finally,L+I type stents were used.Median survival time after successful stenting was 10 months,and mean time was 13 months.APC combined with bifurcated metal stants relieved obstruction and improved quality of life.