Airway Stents for Excessive Dynamic Airway Collapse

The bronchoscope will be introduced into the proximal trachea at the level of the cricoid. At that point, patients will be instructed to take a deep breath, hold it and then blow it out (forced expiratory maneuver). Maneuvers will be done at the following six sites: proximal trachea at the level of the cricoid; mid-trachea 5 cm proximal to the carina; distal trachea 2 cm proximal to the carina; right main stem bronchus at the right tracheobronchial angle; bronchus intermedius and left main bronchus at the left tracheobronchial angle

Under general anesthesia, a rigid bronchoscope (Bryan-Dumon Series II; Bryan Corporation; Woburn, MA) will be introduced, and respiration will be maintained through jet ventilation.

Silicone Y stent or uncovered self-expanding metallic stent will be placed in the standard fashion and good fit will be confirmed visually.