Implantation of inverted Y-type metal airway stent with modified guide wire insertion technique under local anesthesia for malignant carina stenosis: initial experience in 10 patients

Objective: To assess the technical feasibility and effectiveness of X-ray-guided implantation of inverted Y-type metal airway stent under local anesthesia by using a modified technique of exchanging guide wire in order to shorten operation time. Methods: The clinical data of a total of 16 patients, who received inverted Y- type metal airway stent implantation under local anesthesia, were retrospectively analyzed. Routine gradual guide wire exchange method with a harder one was used in 6 patients (routine group), while in 10 patients (modification group) a modified technique of exchanging guide wire, i.e. inserting two hard wires at one time, was employed. Technical success rate and operation time were used as the main observation indexes. Results: Under local anesthesia, the implantation of inverted Y-type metal airway stent was successfully accomplished in all 16 patients. The mean operation time of the routine group and the modification group was 15.6 minutes and 11.1 minutes respectively, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: For the performance of implantation of inverted Y-type metal airway stent under local anesthesia to treat malignant carina stenosis, the use of modified technique of guide wire insertion, i.e. inserting two hard wires at one time, can effectively shorten the operation time. (authors)