Safety and efficacy of airway stent placement following bronchial artery embolization: A retrospective study at a single institute

Background

Airway stenting is an established procedure for treating oncological emergencies in patients with airway disorders. In patients with airway hemorrhage, respiratory conditions may worsen during stenting. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is useful to prevent bleeding from the bronchus. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of airway stenting after BAE in patients with malignant airway disorders.

Methods

The medical records of all patients who underwent airway stenting following BAE at the National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center between 2016 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Thirteen procedures (11 silicone Y stents, one hybrid stent, and one self-expandable metallic stent) were performed. The median duration from BAE to airway stenting was one day (range: 1–5 days). Nine patients experienced tumor shrinkage, and none experienced severe bleeding after BAE during the stent procedure. No other major complications were associated with the stent placement. The median survival time after stenting was 169 days (range; 24–1086). No serious complications caused by BAE, such as spinal cord infarction, were observed.

Conclusions

Airway stent placement was safely performed after BAE without severe bleeding or acute respiratory failure. BAE, followed by airway stenting, is useful.