[Forty-three tracheal stricture with Ni-Ti shape memory alloy stent]

To evaluate the application of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy stent for treating tracheal stricture, including its indications and complications.

Forty-three patients clinical data were analyzed, among them, 15 suffered from tumor; 7 trauma; 4 granulation; 1 Wegener's granuloma, 2 rhinoscleroma, 1 without clear diagnosis; 7 were relapsing polychondritis; 1 were respiratory amyloidosis; 4 were tracheobronchial tuberculosis, 5 were tracheobronchomalacia. The stricture degree: Level I: 15 patients, Level II:24 patients, Level III:4 patients. The location of stricture in 5 patients extended to the subglottis area. All patients had tracheal stricture and accepted the treatment with Ni-Ti shape memory alloy stent.

Forty-two patients breathed freely after the operation, 1 patient died after surgery. The tracheostoma in 18 patients was closed 34 days after operation. Among the remaining 8 patients with tracheostoma:3 patients left hospital with tracheal cannula; 1 patient died,2 patients were found stent shifted and no evident breath improving; 2 patients were found granulation and had secondary operation with laser.

Ni-Ti shape memory alloy stent can expand the tracheal stricture quickly and thus improve the breath effectively, which is minimally invasive and simple. It can be used as a method in the treatment of tracheal stricture.