Airway stent

In situations where airway obstruction occurs due to any number of reasons, such as when there is a growth that blocks breathing, or when one cannot breathe properly because they are asleep; this device may be needed. Usually fabricated from metal, silicone or a mixture thereof; they are inserted into an airway passage for support purposes. Some of these conditions include airway narrowing (stenosis), tumors invading/compressing the lumen of bronchi/bronchioles/“fine airways” (sometimes causing tracheobronchomalacia) or trans-tracheal-fistulae such as those resulting from trauma during automobile accidents.

Usually done using bronchoscopy techniques—i.e., examining inside your lungs using a flexible tube with a camera—doctors can introduce the stent into the narrowed or blocked region to keep the airway open. A recent development has been self-expanding stents that can automatically adjust to fit any size airway, including biodegradable stents which disappear over time so they don’t have to be removed later.

Airway stents are particularly helpful for some people suffering from coughs, breathlessness and wheezing. Therefore, if you are contemplating having one placed in order to treat your ailments; it is crucial that you talk to your doctor about what type of stent would work best for your condition, how is this procedure performed and what results can be expected afterwords