Temporary tracheal stenting using endovascular prosthesis in the management of severe refractory stenosis following slide tracheoplasty

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the role of endovascular stents in temporary tracheal stenting and endoscopic treatment strategy for patients with severe refractory tracheal stenosis following slide tracheoplasty. METHODS Two patients had severe tracheal stenosis after slide tracheoplasty for long segment congenital tracheal stenosis. Both these patients were managed endoscopically and an endovascular prosthesis was used to temporarily stent the trachea. Short and long term results were evaluated clinically and with repeated endoscopies. RESULTS The 2 patients had an excellent recovery immediately after the stent placement and continue to have an optimal, age-appropriate stable tracheal diameter after stent removal. CONCLUSION Endovascular stents can be temporarily used to stent the trachea in the endoscopic treatment strategy to correct refractory severe tracheal stenosis following slide tracheoplasty