The palliation of dysphagia secondary to esophageal-cardial carcinoma with self-expandable metal prostheses. The authors' personal experience with 92 patients]

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic insertion of a stent is an important option in the palliative management of esophageal obstruction and esophagorespiratory fistula. Plastic stents have been available for over 20 years. A new class of self-expanding metal stents for palliation of esophageal and cardial cancer is now available. METHODS: Between September 1992 and October 1997, 92 patients underwent implantation of self-expanding metal stents for palliation of dysphagia due to inoperable esophageal or cardial cancer (65 patients) or for locally recurrent carcinoma after surgery (12 patients), laser-therapy (11 patients) or radiotherapy (4 patients). RESULTS: Successful stent implantation was achieved in 89/92 patients (96.7%). After stent implantation the dysphagia score improved from 3.0, on average, to 0.5, on average. Early complications were observed in 4.5% and peroperative mortality was 2.1%. Late complications were observed in 25.6%, with a mortality rate of 1.1%. The mean survival time was 6.9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Self-expanding metal stents are a new effective alternative for palliation of dysphagia due to esophageal and cardial cancers.     

Prospective evaluation of a new self-expanding plastic stent for inoperable esophageal strictures

BACKGROUND: High stent cost is considered the major drawback of self-expanding metal stents for dysphagia palliation in patients with inoperable esophageal strictures. We report our experience with a self-expanding plastic (Polyflex) stent, the cost of which is half that of the metal stents. METHODS: Between September 1999 and April 2001, 16 dysphagic patients (15 men; mean age, 69.4 +/- 14.5 years; range, 49-100 years; mean dysphagia score, 3.31 +/- 0.6) with esophageal strictures who underwent Polyflex stent placement (insertion device diameter, 12-14 mm; postexpansion inner stent diameter, 16-21 mm; stent length, 9, 12, and 15 cm) were studied prospectively. The strictures were caused by postsurgical recurrence of gastric/esophageal cancer at the anastomotic site in five patients, primary esophageal cancer in four patients, esophagocardia junction cancer in four patients, metastatic mediastinal lymph nodes from a primary lung cancer invading the esophagus in 1 patient, and benign peptic stricture in two elderly patients. All the patients were prospectively followed until death. RESULTS: Stent insertion was technically successful in 12 patients (75%). Stent placement failed in four patients (25%) because of failure to pass the delivery catheter across the stricture in three patients and failure of the stent to open in one patient. Early and late stent migration occurred in two patients and 1 patient, respectively. Tumor overgrowth occurred in 1 patient. The mean dysphagia score 7 days after stent placement was 1.1 +/- 0.9. Mean survival was 100.6 +/- 71.2 days (range, 8-225 days). CONCLUSION: Self-expanding Polyflex stents are safe and effective for inoperable esophageal strictures and have an acceptable technical success rate. Further experience, better selection criteria, and design improvements should improve results.     

内镜置入胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌

目的 探讨通过内镜置入自膨式胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌的疗效.方法 回顾性分析2004年7月至2009年7月成都军区总医院收治的73例肝门部胆管癌患者行内镜胆道金属支架置入术的操作成功率、减黄有效率、支架通畅时间和生存时间以及术后并发症.结果 支架置入成功70例,3例失败.其中单金属支架置入62例,双侧金属支架置入3例,金属支架+塑料支架置人5例.减黄有效率为87%(61/70),中位支架通畅时间为190 d,中位生存时间为246 d.术后发生胆管炎7例,胰腺炎3例,出血2例.结论 内镜置入自膨式胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌创伤小、减黄效果好,可作为无法手术切除的肝门部胆管癌患者解除胆道恶性梗阻的首选治疗方法.     

内镜置入胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌

目的 探讨通过内镜置入自膨式胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌的疗效.方法 回顾性分析2004年7月至2009年7月成都军区总医院收治的73例肝门部胆管癌患者行内镜胆道金属支架置入术的操作成功率、减黄有效率、支架通畅时间和生存时间以及术后并发症.结果 支架置入成功70例,3例失败.其中单金属支架置入62例,双侧金属支架置入3例,金属支架+塑料支架置人5例.减黄有效率为87%(61/70),中位支架通畅时间为190 d,中位生存时间为246 d.术后发生胆管炎7例,胰腺炎3例,出血2例.结论 内镜置入自膨式胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌创伤小、减黄效果好,可作为无法手术切除的肝门部胆管癌患者解除胆道恶性梗阻的首选治疗方法.     

内镜置入胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌

目的 探讨通过内镜置入自膨式胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌的疗效.方法 回顾性分析2004年7月至2009年7月成都军区总医院收治的73例肝门部胆管癌患者行内镜胆道金属支架置入术的操作成功率、减黄有效率、支架通畅时间和生存时间以及术后并发症.结果 支架置入成功70例,3例失败.其中单金属支架置入62例,双侧金属支架置入3例,金属支架+塑料支架置人5例.减黄有效率为87%(61/70),中位支架通畅时间为190 d,中位生存时间为246 d.术后发生胆管炎7例,胰腺炎3例,出血2例.结论 内镜置入自膨式胆道金属支架治疗肝门部胆管癌创伤小、减黄效果好,可作为无法手术切除的肝门部胆管癌患者解除胆道恶性梗阻的首选治疗方法.     

Self-expandable metal stents for malignant dysphagia.

BACKGROUND: The use of self-expandable metal stents in relieving dysphagia for patients with incurable malignant oesophageal strictures was retrospectively evaluated. METHODS: Between September 1993 and August 1996, 66 male and 16 female patients with a median age of 72 years received self-expandable metal stents for malignant dysphagia. Six patients had concurrent tracheo-oesophageal fistulas. All patients were stented under sedation and stent insertion was performed under fluoroscopic guidance. RESULTS: Stent placement was successful in 80 patients (98%). There were seven early complications (inaccurate positioning (n = 3), migration (n = 1), incomplete expansion (n = 1), intractable pain (n = 1), and perforation (n = 1)). Two complications were lethal and three were treated endoscopically. Mean dysphagia grade improved from 3.2+/-0.7 to 1.8+/-0.9 (P < 0.05) after implantation. All tracheo-esophageal fistulas were successfully occluded. Upon a median follow-up of 8 weeks (range: 2-20 weeks), 30 complications developed in 21 patients (tumour overgrowth (n = 15), food bolus obstruction (n = 7), tumour ingrowth (n = 2), buckling of stent (n = 2), tracheo-esophageal fistula (n = 2), bleeding (n = 1), and gastric wall herniation through metal coils (n = 1)). Median survival was 13 weeks (range: 1-82 weeks). CONCLUSION: Self-expandable metal stents provide useful palliation in patients with incurable malignant dysphagia.     

Our experience with the use of a plastic prosthesis and self-expanding stents in the palliative treatment of malignant neoplastic stenoses of the esophagus and cardia. Comparative analysis of results

Rapid palliation of malignant dysphagia is usually possible by means of the endoscopic implantation of a plastic prosthesis, but this device has a high morbidity rate. Recently, expandable metal stents have become available and may reduce the morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate self-expanding metal stents compared with conventional plastic prosthesis in malignant strictures of the oesophagus and cardia. One hundred and thirteen endoscopic tube implantations were carried out in 120 patients with malignant stenosis of the oesophagus and cardia using a plastic prosthesis over the period 1980-1993 (72 cases) and self-expanding metal stents over the period 1993-2001 (48 cases). The underlying causes of strictures were oesophageal or cardial cancer in 108 cases and oesophageal invasion by lung cancer in 12. The indications for endoscopic intubation were advanced tumour stage and/or risk factors which made resection inadvisable. The stents used in the conventional group were the Celestin pulsion tube in 18, the Atkinson prosthesis in 23 and the Wilson-Cook tube in 27, while the Ultraflex stent was always employed in the other group. Dysphagia was scored according to the Atkinson and Ferguson classification and the preoperative median score (3.6) was comparable in the two groups. The technical success rate was 94.4% with the plastic prosthesis (68/72) and 93.7% with the self-expanding metal stents (45/48) because in 4 and 3 patients, respectively, it proved impossible to implant the stent. After intubation the dysphagia score was improved in both groups (median score = 0.9) and the functional success rates were 85.2% (58/68) and 88.8% (40/45), respectively, while 10 and 5 patients showed no improvement of symptoms. The early complication rate was 5.9% (4/68) in the conventional stent group (1 perforation, 2 severe bleedings and 1 stent proximal migration) and nil in the other group. Late complications occurred in 14 (20.6%) (7 food obstruction, 4 neoplastic obstructions and 3 dislodgements) and 9 patients (20%) (3 neoplastic obstructions, 1 food obstruction, 3 distal migrations and 2 bleedings), respectively, but all the complications were easily corrected. Three deaths occurred with the plastic prosthesis (4.4%), while the mortality was nil with the metal stents. The median survival times were 183 (range: 58-486) and 151 days (range; 25-545), respectively. Our experience suggests that endoscopic placement of self-expanding metal stents is effective and safe for the management of dysphagia in malignant strictures of the oesophagus and cardia and has to be preferred to conventional plastic prostheses for easier implantation. The technical and functional success rates are similar in both groups, but the acute complication and mortality rates of the Ultraflex prosthesis are lower as compared to the traditional prosthesis.     

应用带膜支架治疗晚期食管癌贲门癌

目的　探讨置入国产CZES型自膨式带膜支架 ,结合其它疗法综合施治重症晚期食管癌贲门癌病人的疗效。方法　采用内镜法、介入法、混合法、手术法 ,为晚期食管癌、贲门癌、食管瘘、吻合口漏、吻合口癌复发或吻合口狭窄病人 15 1例 ,共置入 15 9个支架 ,继而 132例实施放、化疗和中药综合施治。结果　疗效满意 ,明显改善了病人生活质量 ,体质增强 ,进食困难分级由 3.12级降至 1.0 5级 ,肿瘤缩小 2 2～ 3 4cm ,体重增加 1～ 6kg ,置入支架后生存 1 5～ 36个月。结论　置入支架结合综合施治行之有效 ,操作简便、安全可靠 ,适用于临床 ,易于推广     

Stenting for malignant ureteral obstruction: Tandem,metal or metal‐mesh stents

Extrinsic malignant compression of the ureter is not uncommon, often refractory to decompression with conventional polymeric ureteral stents, and frequently associated with limited survival. Alternative options for decompression include tandem ureteral stents, metallic stents and metal‐mesh stents, though the preferred method remains controversial. We reviewed and updated our outcomes with tandem ureteral stents for malignant ureteral obstruction, and carried out a PubMed search using the terms “malignant ureteral obstruction,” “tandem ureteral stents,” “ipsilateral ureteral stents,” “metal ureteral stent,” “resonance stent,” “silhouette stent” and “metal mesh stent.” A comprehensive review of the literature and summary of outcomes is provided. The majority of studies encountered were retrospective with small sample sizes. The evidence is most robust for metal stents, whereas only limited data exists for tandem or metal‐mesh stents. Metal and metal‐mesh stents are considerably more expensive than tandem stenting, but the potential for less frequent stent exchanges makes them possibly cost‐effective over time. Urinary tract infections have been associated with all stent types. A wide range of failure rates has been published for all types of stents, limiting direct comparison. Metal and metal‐mesh stents show a high incidence of stent colic, migration and encrustation, whereas tandem stents appear to produce symptoms equivalent to single stents. Comparison is difficult given the limited evidence and heterogeneity of patients with malignant ureteral obstruction. It is clear that prospective, randomized studies are necessary to effectively scrutinize conventional, tandem, metallic ureteral and metal‐mesh stents for their use in malignant ureteral obstruction.     

SELF-EXPANDABLE METAL STENTS FOR MALIGNANT DYSPHAGIA

Background : The use of self-expandable metal stents in relieving dysphagia for patients with incurable malignant oesophageal strictures was retrospectively evaluated. Methods : Between September 1993 and August 1996, 66 male and 16 female patients with a median age of 72 years received self-expandable metal stents for malignant dysphagia. Six patients had concurrent tracheo-oesophageal fistulas. All patients were stented under sedation and stent insertion was performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Results : Stent placement was successful in 80 patients (98%). There were seven early complications (inaccurate positioning (n = 3), migration (n = 1), incomplete expansion (n = 1), intractable pain (n = 1), and perforation (n = 1)). Two complications were lethal and three were treated endoscopically. Mean dysphagia grade improved from 3.2 ± 0.7 to 1.8 ± 0.9 (P < 0.05) after implantation. All tracheo-esophageal fistulas were successfully occluded. Upon a median follow-up of 8 weeks (range: 2–20 weeks), 30 complications developed in 21 patients (tumour overgrowth (n = 15), food bolus obstruction (n = 7), tumour ingrowth (n = 2), buckling of stent (n = 2), tracheo-esophageal fistula (n = 2), bleeding (n = 1), and gastric wall herniation through metal coils (n = 1)). Median survival was 13 weeks (range: 1–82 weeks). Conclusion : Self-expandable metal stents provide useful palliation in patients with incurable malignant dysphagia.     

Palliative treatment of oesophageal carcinoma--efficacy of plastic versus self-expandable stents.

OBJECTIVES: A prospective randomised study of patients with irresectable oesophageal carcinoma treated with self-expandable covered metal Wallstent and plastic Procter Livingstone tubes was performed. The purpose was to compare the efficacy, cost effectiveness, ease of implantation, long-term patency and complications of the two different stents. METHODS: Data recorded included dysphagia score (0-4) the day before and after stent placement, location and length of stricture, procedural time and complications, and stent patency at 1 and 3 months' follow-up. A comparative costing of materials, theatre and anaesthetic time and hospital stay was undertaken. RESULTS: Forty patients were studied over 12 months (20 in each group). Strictures were located most commonly in the middle third of the oesophagus (75%), followed by the upper third (12.5%) and lower third (12.5%). Mean stricture length was 6 cm (2-12 cm); 10 patients (25%) had strictures 8 cm or longer. Five patients had tracheo-oesophageal fistulas (3 Wallstent; 2 Procter Livingstone tube). There was effective fistula sealing in all 3 Wallstent patients, and non-sealing in 1 of the Procter Livingstone patients. The mean pre-operative dysphagia score in both groups was 3, and immediately postoperatively the score was 0 in the Wallstent group and 2 in the plastic tube group. Initial stent placement was satisfactory in all Wallstent patients, with 2 patients requiring 2 stents each for adequate tumour coverage, and in 15 patients (75%) having plastic stents. Immediate complications were chest pain in 2 patients with Wallstents and oesophageal perforation in 2 patients (10%) with plastic stents. Wallstent patency at 1 and 3 months was 90% and 88%, respectively, and plastic stent patency was 66% and 50%. Four patients (10%), 2 in each group, died during the study from massive tumour load or metastatic disease. Comparative costing of the Wallstent versus the plastic tube stent was R4 123 versus R2 146 or a factor of 1.9. CONCLUSION: Palliation with the Wallstent is effective, with excellent 1- and 3-month patency. The Wallstent is superior to the conventional plastic stent in terms of ease of implantation, better long-term patency and fewer complications. It is particularly useful for the treatment of patients with fistulas and long strictures. Accurate placement is critical in order to prevent stent migration and tumour overgrowth. However, it costs almost twice as much to implant the Wallstent as it does to implant the plastic tube.     

Expandable metallic stents in the management of malignant oesophageal obstruction

BACKGROUND: Malignant oesophageal obstruction with an advanced disease presents a difficult challenge. A new class of metal stents have been developed to overcome the limitations of existing treatment modalities. METHODS: We present our first 58 patients, who have been treated with self-expandable metallic stents, using sedation anaesthesia, with fluoroscopic and endoscopic control. Both kinds of stents, covered and uncovered, were applied. RESULTS: There was no procedure-related mortality. The immediate relief of dysphagia was 98%. All four oesophageal fistulas were successfully sealed with covered stents. Due to stent migration, tumour overgrowth, or ingrowth, twelve (21%) of the patients needed re-intervention. Restenting or laser therapies were used against recurrent dysphagia. CONCLUSION: The palliation of oesophageal malignant obstruction with metal stents is a rapid, effective, and relatively safe single treatment which can be employed as part of a multimodal treatment program.     

New indications in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer using self-expanding stent

In the past four years we performed palliative reconstruction in 69 patients with Tygon or Polyflex self-expanding stents. The procedure was performed in 35 patients because of mid-third oesophageal cancer, in 18 patients because of cancer of the cardia, in 7 patients because of mediastinal tumour and in 8 patients because of oesophago-respiratory fistula. The procedures improved the swallowing greatly, the oesophago-respiratory fistulae closed. During endoscopic intubation of cardia tumours the risk of perforation is high, while it is lower in case of open operative pull-through method. Insertion of Polyflex self-expanding stent under X-ray is safe. Improvement of the stents helps not only safer use, but it encourages its use in new indications, such as iatrogen benign perforation, corrosive oesophageal stricture, long preoperative period, when the swallowing for better nutrition is essential. The procedures improve the quality of life and improve survival time because of the restored swallowing, closed oesophago-respiratory fistula with the prevention of aspiration.     

New tubular bioabsorbable knitted airway stent: biocompatibility and mechanical strength.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the biocompatibility and suitability of a new tubular bioabsorbable knitted stent made of poly-L -lactic acid in normal rabbit airways and examines the mechanical strength of this stent in vitro. METHODS: A tubular knitted airway stent (group B, n = 15) made of poly-L -lactic acid wire was implanted operatively in New Zealand White rabbits intratracheally; silicone stents served as controls (group A, n = 8). The cervical trachea was exposed, and the stent was implanted. Up to 40 weeks after stent implantation, the rabbits were killed, at which time bronchoscopy, histologic examination, and scanning electron microscopic study was done. We tested poly-L -lactic acid stents and silicone stents for their mechanical strength in vitro. We subjected stents to area loads and measured their mechanical strengths. RESULTS: In group A, which received silicone stents, 3 (37.5%) rabbits died within 4 weeks of stent implantation as a result of airway obstruction by secretions inside the stent lumen. In group B, poly-L -lactic acid stents, 1 (6.7%) rabbit died 3 weeks after implantation because of weakness caused by anorexia. In the remaining animals, except for 1 animal with stent trouble, the bronchial lumen was fully open until the 40th week after implantation. After 40 weeks of follow-up, the stents disappeared, except for nonabsorbable suture in the bronchial wall. None of the animals in group B died of airway complication. Histologic examination and scanning electron microscopic examination of the group A silicone stents showed marked regression of ciliated cells under the stent. In group B the ciliated epithelium was preserved, and there were numerous capillary blood vessels in the submucosa. In scanning electron microscopy of the group B poly-L -lactic acid stents, the ciliated cells were preserved between the mesh holes of the stent. For diameters between 4 and 6 mm, the mechanical strength of silicone stents was greater than that of poly-L -lactic acid stents. However, the mechanical strength of poly-L -lactic acid stents increased as a function of their diameter. CONCLUSION: A new tubular bioabsorbable stent made of poly-L -lactic acid is biocompatible in normal rabbit airways, indicating that poly-L -lactic acid is a promising material for airway stents for clinical use.     

内镜下胆道支架置入术在高位胆管恶性梗阻中的临床总结

［摘要］ 目的 探讨经内镜放置胆道支架治疗高位胆管恶性梗阻的疗效及影响因素。方法 回顾性分析2008年8月～2014年4月168例高位胆管恶性梗阻行内镜胆道支架置入术的成功率、有效引流率、并发症发生率与30天死亡率、支架通畅时间及生存时间。结果 168例患者中148例成功通过ERCP置入塑料或金属支架,其中13例联合PTCD途径反向导丝与ERCP对接的会师技术置入,成功率88.1%;另外20例行两种处理方法仍未能成功,改行PTCD外引流;有效引流率为91.9%,早期并发症发生率为23.0%,总的支架有效时间59天,总的中位生存时间248天。结论 高位胆管恶性梗阻的内镜治疗应根据个体化原则选择不同的治疗方案;内镜治疗过程中进行有效的操作,减少并发症,是临床内镜医生应重视的问题。     

A management algorithm for esophageal perforation

Despite the prolonged morbidity caused by a major surgery and the high occurrence of continued leakage, primary repair has been the standard treatment for esophageal perforations. We believe that management using removable esophageal stents is both simpler and more effective. Over the past 3 years, we have treated 14 patients using esophageal stents, and the procedure was successful in all patients. Because of the shorter bed rest that follows endoscopic Polyflex stent (Rush, Inc; Teleflex Medical, Duluth, GA) placement, it is very likely that the care of patients with esophageal perforation will be changed over time.     

内镜联合X线监视下支架植入治疗中晚期食管癌恶性梗阻的临床应用

目的探讨内镜联合X线监视下支架植入治疗中晚期食管癌恶性梗阻的临床疗效。 方法选择2010年6月—2017年10月在内蒙古呼和浩特市第一医院中晚期食管癌恶性梗阻的67例患者,根据患者意愿分为内镜联合X线监视下支架植入组(联合组,n＝35)和X线监视下放置支架组(普通组,n＝32)。观察比较两组患者术前及术后1～3个月的生活质量和吞咽困难指数变化情况,观察患者的术后并发症并及时对症治疗;统计术后患者的生存期与存活率,并采用生存质量核心问卷(QLQ-C30)和食管癌专用量表(OES-18)调查患者的生活质量。 结果两组患者均一次性成功植入支架,成功率达100%,吞咽困难立刻改善明显,两组评分由联合组和普通组的(3.3 ±0.6)和(3.2 ±0.7)分改善为(1.0±03)分,1周后的评分均改善为0分。两组患者术中、术后无大出血和穿孔的发生,均有不同程度的胸骨后疼痛和不适,大多数均不需特殊处理。联合组患者的再阻塞率、生存时间、生存质量明显高于普通组患者(P<0.05),联合组的再阻塞率明显低于普通组患者(P<0.05);但两组间支架移位率无统计学差异(P>0.05)。 结论应用内镜和X线双重定位下植入支架治疗不愿或不能手术切除的中晚期食管癌患者,具有创伤小、安全、定位准确等特点,能迅速缓解患者的症状,提高生存质量,延长生存时间,具有良好的临床应用价值。     

Sirolimus-eluting stents in the canine cerebral vasculature: a prospective, randomized, blinded assessment of safety and vessel response

OBJECT: Use of the sirolimus-eluting stent has led to a reduction of in-stent stenosis following treatment of coronary atherosclerosis, whereas treatment of intracranial atherosclerosis with bare-metal stents results in excessive restenosis rates of approximately 40%. Neurotoxicity effects and vessel injury are unknown in the cerebral vasculature. To assess the safety profile and vascular effects of sirolimus-coated stents, the authors conducted a prospective comparative study in which drug-eluting and bare-metal stents were implanted in the canine basilar artery (BA). METHODS: Sixteen mongrel dogs were randomized (eight animals per group) to receive either bare-metal 1.5 x 8-mm (six-cell) stents or sirolimus-eluting stents of the same dimensions. Interventionists, histopathologists, and histopathology technicians who participated in the study were blinded to the stent characteristics. Stents were implanted in the canine BA. Serial peripheral blood samples were obtained during the 1st week after implantation to determine the time-dependent serum concentration of sirolimus. Follow-up angiographic studies were performed 30 days after stent implantation to assess the effects of stent placement on the BA and brainstem perforating vessels. Explantation of the stent and BA was performed immediately after angiography by using a pressurized formalin fixation procedure. Histological and computer-assisted morphometric analyses of specimens obtained in each animal were performed. Sirolimus could not be detected in peripheral blood samples obtained later than 24 hours posttreatment. On follow-up angiography, all perforating vessels observed on initial angiograms remained patent, and no evidence of parent vessel damage or pseudoaneurysm formation was observed. Explanted vessels and brainstem sections did not demonstrate evidence of histological neurotoxicity, such as gliosis or infarction. No significant differences were found in the time to endothelialization of bare-metal and sirolimus-coated stents. Smooth-muscle cell (SMC) proliferation, the putative agent for restenosis, was lower in animals receiving sirolimus-coated stents (p = 0.003). Additionally, intimal fibrin density was increased in the dogs treated with sirolimus-coated stents (p < 0.0001). Histological evidence of an inflammatory response demonstrated a trend toward a reduced response in the sirolimus group (mean 0.58) compared with the bare-metal group (mean 0.83, p = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS: No neurotoxic effects were observed in the intracranial vessel walls or brainstem tissue in which sirolimus-coated stents were implanted. Compared with bare-metal stents, the sirolimus-coated devices did not impair endothelialization and, furthermore, tended to reduce the proliferation of SMCs. These findings indicate that sirolimus-coated devices may inhibit in-stent stenosis. Further studies with longer-term follow up are required to assess the restenosis rates of sirolimus-coated stents implanted in the intracranial vasculature.     

Emergency management of aorto-bronchial fistula after implantation of a self-expanding bronchial stent.

We report a case of aorto-bronchial fistula 7 years after implantation of a self-expanding metal stent into the left main bronchus. The clinical presentation was characterised by left-sided chest pain, dyspnea and a single bout of haemoptysis. The fistula was surgically managed by aortic resection and primary repair of the aorta, and patch repair of the left main bronchus over a Polyflex covered bronchial stent. When haemoptysis occurs in a patient with a history of bronchial stent implantation, the presence of an aorto-bronchial fistula should be considered. Early diagnosis offers the only possibility of recovery through a lifesaving surgical procedure.     

Comparison of long-term results of drug-eluting stent and bare metal stent implantation in heart transplant recipients with coronary artery disease

The aim of the study was to compare long-term results of intracoronary implantation of drug-eluting stents (DES) and bare metal stents (BMS) in patients suffering from transplant coronary artery disease (TxCAD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all intracoronary stent implantations for TxCAD among subjects with at least one follow-up coronary angiography. We identified 28 sirolimus-eluting DES (n = 17) patients, 24 BMS (n = 13 patients), and both DES and BMS (n = 7 patients) implantations among 23 recipients. Mean follow-up after DES was 14 months and after BMS implantation, 20 months. We compared the occurrence of in-stent restenosis (ISR), and patient survival in the context of risk factors that were identified separately for each stent type. Significance was assessed using the log-rank, chi(2) and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: There were 2 (7%) ISR among DES versus 14 (58%) ISR among BMS (P = .0002) patients, with a longer time of freedom from IRS after DES implantation (P = .022). There were three deaths (18%) among DES, four (31%) with BMS, and one (14%) with DES and BMS (P = NS). Left anterior descending artery was the place of DES implantation in 17 (61%) versus 10 (42%) of BMS cases (P = NS). Risk factor profile was comparable except for a higher age at the time of transplantation (46 +/- 7 vs 41 +/- 6 years; P = .011) and stent implantation (54 +/- 7 vs 49 +/- 6 years; P = .0002) for DES. CONCLUSION: Favorable long-term results of sirolimus-eluting stents over BMS implanted for TxCAD suggested their preferential use in heart transplant recipients.