Y Reverse: Modified technique in challenging airway management

Self-expanding Y-metal stents (SEMS) are best suited lesions with involvement of the carina and proximal main bronchi; however, Y-stents can be difficult to place. These difficulties guided us to develop a modification of the classic technique that addresses some of the challenges during positioning. We present the Y reverse technique for Y stent insertion using a combination of rigid and flexible bronchoscopy.

This retrospective study included 15 consecutive patients, suffering from tracheal-carina-lower main bronchi complex, hospitalized at the Thoracic Surgery Unit of the Vanvitelli University of Naples between October 2021 and October 2023.

patients in which the length of the stenosis of the right bronchi was greater than that of the left bronchi, advanced oncological conditions, severe respiratory failure; exclusion criteria: Karnofsky scale with <40 points. All patients were admitted to the hospital and treated with Y-stent insertion using the modified technique Y reverse.

The comparison between the group undergoing the Y reverse technique with the group undergoing the traditional positioning of the Y prosthesis has shown an improvement in respiratory function; prolongation of the mean survival time; improvement in SpO₂ in spontaneous breathing; reduction mean time procedure. p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Y Reverse is a safe and effective procedure that provides rapid symptom relief in individuals who have critical central airway obstruction near the distal portion of the trachea, carina, and main right and left bronchi.