Long-term follow-up and survival after Ultraflex stent insertion in the management of complex malignant airway stenoses

BACKGROUND: Despite being commercially available for a few years now, the literature regarding the outcome of Ultraflex stent insertion in complex malignant airway stenoses is sparse. OBJECTIVES: To assess long-term complications and survival in patients with complex malignant airway stenoses treated with insertion of nitinol stents. METHODS: 60 consecutive patients with Ultraflex stent insertion for malignant airway stenoses were included. Follow-up was obtained in all patients. RESULTS: 62 Ultraflex stents (covered = 51, uncovered = 11) were implanted in 60 patients. Diagnoses were bronchial carcinoma (n = 50), esophageal carcinoma (n = 3) and metastases (n = 7). Stents were inserted in the trachea (n = 5), main bronchi/intermediate bronchus (n = 22), from main bronchi/intermediate bronchus to lobar bronchi (n = 28) or in the lobar bronchi themselves (n = 7). Successful reopening of the stenoses and relief were achieved in all patients. There was no procedure-related mortality. Complications included mucous plugging in 8%, stenosing granulation tissue in 5%, tumor ingrowth in 5% and stent migration in 5% of patients. Using Kaplan-Meier estimates, the overall mean survival was 160 days (standard error: 30). Median survival was 91 days. The overall 3- and 6-month survival were 52 and 20%, respectively. Death (n = 59, 98%) was attributed mainly to disease progression with cachexia and metastases, pneumonia (n = 5, 10%), and hemoptysis (n = 1, 2%). CONCLUSION: Ultraflex stents have a low complication rate and can be effectively used in complex malignant airway stenoses with marked asymmetry or irregularity, angulation or changing diameters.