[Self-expanding nitinol stents for treatment of bilateral main bronchial stenosis caused by esophageal cancer].

A 68-year-old man was admitted because of dyspnea. Nine months earlier, he had undergone radiotherapy for esophageal carcinoma. Chest CT scan obtained on admission showed a tumor shadow behind the tracheal carina. Bronchoscopy revealed that the lower trachea and bilateral main bronchi were compressed from the back and narrowed by the esophageal cancer. To maintain the airway, under fluoroscopic and guide-wire control, a self-expanding nitinol stent (SENS, Accuflex, Microvasive) was implanted in the lower trachea and left main bronchus. At the same time, other SENS was similarly implanted in the lower trachea and right main bronchus. During the implantation, the left nitinol stent was connected to the side of the right nitinol stent to form a T-shape. There was little sputum at the joint portion of the stents and the ventilation of both lungs remained adequate. Severe dyspnea markedly improved after placement of two nitinol stents. Knitted SENS is made of a nickel titanium alloy. SENS was formulated for use in the management of biliary obstruction. However, it is highly flexible and easy to implant. So, it is suitable for the treatment of airway obstruction. Although the implantation of SENS in extensive tracheobronchial stenosis has not previously been reported, it should be useful for prevention of airway obstruction.