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Airway stenting is an advanced minimally invasive procedure used to keep narrowed or blocked airways open. A specially designed stent is placed inside the airway to provide structural support and maintain airflow.
You can think of an airway stent as a scaffold that helps prevent the airway from collapsing or becoming obstructed. The procedure is performed using bronchoscopy, avoiding the need for major surgery in many cases.
At Healthy Chest & Sleep Clinic, Dr. Vishal Sharma offers advanced interventional pulmonology procedures, including airway stenting, for carefully selected patients with complex airway disorders.
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Patients with airway obstruction often experience the following. These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for asthma or COPD, delaying appropriate diagnosis.
Difficulty getting enough air
A harsh sound while breathing
Ongoing whistling when breathing
A cough that does not settle
Infections that keep returning
Trouble bringing up mucus
Tiring quickly during activity
A rapid decline in breathing
The airways can become narrowed or blocked for several reasons. Identifying the cause is essential to planning the right intervention.
Tumours may compress or grow into the airways, restricting airflow.
Scarring of the windpipe following intubation, tracheostomy, infection or trauma.
Structures outside the airway may compress it, reducing airflow.
Certain non-cancerous conditions can lead to significant airway narrowing.
Some patients may develop narrowing following thoracic or airway procedures.
Conditions affecting airway stability can cause the airway to collapse during breathing.
Airway stenting is typically considered when significant airway narrowing is affecting breathing or quality of life. Every patient requires careful assessment before determining whether stenting is the most appropriate option.
Airway obstruction is causing severe symptoms.
Breathing remains compromised despite medication.
Airway collapse is identified during evaluation.
Cancer-related airway narrowing is present.
Careful evaluation identifies the underlying cause and allows accurate assessment of the location and severity of narrowing before any intervention.
Understanding your symptoms, respiratory conditions, previous procedures, imaging findings and lung function.
Detailed evaluation of CT scans, airway imaging, previous bronchoscopy findings and pulmonary function testing.
Visualising the airway directly, measuring narrowing, assessing stability and planning intervention.
The procedure is carefully planned and performed using advanced bronchoscopy techniques, with monitoring to ensure optimal airway function.
The type, size and location of the stent are carefully selected based on airway anatomy and disease characteristics.
Using advanced bronchoscopy, the stent is positioned within the narrowed airway under appropriate sedation or anaesthesia.
Once deployed, the stent helps maintain airway patency and improve airflow.
Patients are monitored to ensure optimal airway function, with follow-up evaluations to assess long-term outcomes.
Airway stenting may be considered in patients with the following conditions. Each case requires individualised evaluation and treatment planning.
Significant narrowing of the central airways.
Narrowing of the windpipe.
Narrowing of the bronchial airways.
Tracheobronchomalacia affecting airway stability.
Lung cancer-related airway narrowing.
Non-cancerous narrowing of the airway.
Narrowing following prolonged intubation.
Other complex disorders affecting the airway.
Advanced training in minimally invasive airway procedures and complex respiratory interventions.
Focused assessment of airway anatomy, disease severity and treatment suitability.
Every intervention is tailored to the patient's condition and long-term goals.
Ongoing monitoring to optimise outcomes and maintain airway health.
When airway narrowing begins affecting your ability to breathe comfortably, timely intervention can make a significant difference. Consult Dr. Vishal Sharma to determine whether airway stenting is the right treatment option for your condition.