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

Objective To evaluate the application of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy stent for treating tracheal stricture, including its indications and complications. Methods 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 trachelbronchial tuberclosis, 5 were trachelbronchomalacia. 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. Results Forty-two patients breathed freely after the operation,1 patient died after surgery. The tracheostoma in 18 patients was closed 3-4 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. Conclusion 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.