Effectiveness of AERO Stent Placement for Malignant Airway Disorder in Patients with a Poor Performance Status

Objective Airway stenting is an established procedure for treating various airway disorders. The AERO stent (Merit Medical Systems, South Jordan, USA) is a fully covered self-expandable metallic stent approved for use in Japan in 2014. However, its effectiveness in treating malignant airway disorders in patients with a poor performance status remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the safety and efficacy of the AERO stent in patients with malignant airway disorders and a poor performance status. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent AERO stent placement at our institute between April 2016 and March 2022, and 21 patients underwent 25 procedures for malignant airway disorders. All AERO stenting procedures were performed using an over-the-wire delivery system with flexible and/or rigid bronchoscopy. Results Eighteen of the 21 patients (85.7%) had a poor general condition (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 3 or 4). AERO stents were successfully placed in 23 of the 25 procedures and migrated in the remaining 2 cases. Complications occurred in 10 cases, with infection being the most common (3 cases). Fourteen patients (66.6%) showed an improvement in their performance status. In addition, 5 of the 6 intubated patients were extubated following AERO stenting, and 11 patients subsequently received anticancer treatment. Conclusion The placement of the AERO stent is useful in patients with a poor performance status, including those who are intubated and afflicted with malignant airway disorders.