Tracheobronchial stents are devices used to open collapsed airways. A stenosis or a narrowing of the lumen can be caused by many factors: lung cancer, metastatic cancers, infections, lymphomas, tuberculosis, abnormal granulation tissue, etc.
Silicone stents are cylindrical or slightly conical and can be introduced by means of a bronchoscope. Despite the existence of many materials for making stents, silicone ones give the best results when treating the vast majority of conditions.
Stents can be permanent or removable. In addition, they can be used following laser photoresection, cryotherapy or electrocautery, to keep the airway open. Once placed in the airway, it remains open, allowing air to circulate effectively and permitting the normal passage of secretions.
Tracheobronchial stents are designed exclusively for use in the airway. Their placement is carried out by qualified pulmonologists. They require postoperative care to ensure that they remain open.
They can vary in rigidity as well as in resistance to compression, the latter depending on the wall thickness. Above all, the greatest benefit a stent provides is that it keeps the airway open and prevents it from collapsing.