Implantation of a nitinol stent in a case of a benign tracheoesophageal fistula

The self-expanding nitinol stent is easy to handle and well tolerated. It o ffers an improved method in the treatment of perforations of the upper aero digestive tract. It is easily implantable with rigid and flexible endoscope s. A 45-year-old female patient developed a tracheal necrosis after polytrauma and protracted intubation and ventilation. The permanent cuff pressure cau sed a 5-cm long fistula located at the posterior trachea 3 cm above the car ina. After stabilization of the general condition and spontaneous reduction of t he fistula length to 2 cm, we implanted the silicon-covered esophageal sten t. Daily bronchoscopic examination was done before and after implantation o f the stent. Two days after implantation, we were able to remove the blocked tracheostom y tube. Immediately oral nutrition was possible without complications. Because of its easy and fast application without any complications, the new type of nitinol stent is a promising alternative for ear, nose, and throat patients in bad general condition to provide fast and safe treatment in be nign tracheoesophageal fistulas.