Intraluminal Titanium Alloy Stent to Prevent Tracheal Stenosis in Tracheal Anastomosis

Abstract

Background/aim: Tracheal stenosis can cause respiratory problems in mature, small-breed dogs. This study aimed to evaluate the placement of an intratracheal titanium alloy stent to prevent tracheal stenosis in canine tracheal anastomosis.

Materials and methods: The self-expandable intratracheal stent was an alloy of nickel and titanium, at the same atomic ratio. Vital signs and respiratory patterns, C-reactive protein, radiography, computed tomography, and endoscopy results after intraluminal stenting were assessed for 3-5 months.

Results: No dogs showed evidence of intraluminal tracheal stenosis or tracheitis in the region of stent insertion on tracheoscopy and computed tomography after tracheal stent placement. After 1-2 weeks of tracheal stent placement, all dogs resolved coughing and dyspnea signs and resumed normal activities.

Conclusion: The intratracheal stent showed no movement or deformation in the trachea, and had flexibility and an appropriate radial force. Therefore, titanium alloy tracheal stents are useful in stenotic operations for tracheal reconstruction.

Keywords: Tracheal stenosis; dog; intratracheal stent; titanium alloy.

Figure 1. A self-expandable titanium alloy stent (A). Intraoperative image of intratracheal stent insertion after partial tracheal resection (B). A lateral radiograph of an intratracheal stent placement in a dog trachea (C).

Figure 2. Changes of serum C-reactive protein levels after intratracheal stent placement in dogs. Data are presented as mean±SD. *Significantly different at p<0.05 from day 0.

Figure 3. Lateral radiographs 1 day (A) and 21 days (B) after intratracheal stent placement in dogs.

Figure 4. Tracheoscopic image (A) and CT scan (B) 8 weeks after the intratracheal stent placement (arrow heads) in the dog. Radiopaque markers were attached to both ends of the stent and above and below the stent to confirm the placement of the stent in the trachea (arrows).