[Sealing of tracheoesophageal fistula using Sigma covered mental stents]

To explore the possibilities and efficiency of Sigma covered stents for the treatment of tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF).

Between 2006 and 2009, 10 Sigma covered mental stents had been placed by guidance of bronchoscopy and/or fluoroscopy in 8 patients with 9 tracheoesophageal fistulas. Among them, 7 fistulas were caused by cancer and 2 by mechanical damage. Seven fistulas were located in lower part of trachea and 1 each in the middle and upper parts.

Six Y-shaped, 2 L-shaped and 2 I-shaped stents were placed respectively in 8 patients with 9 TEFs. All the TEFs were effectively sealed by the stents except for 1 massive lower and 1 upper fistulas. One mechanical fistula was cured within 1 year of stent placement. The mean survival period of all patients was 8 months.

By sealing the fistula with a Sigma covered stent, severe respiratory infection may be successfully controlled in patients with TEFs with a major improvement of quality of life.