Abstract
Background
In order to investigate the usefulness and safety of Natural Stent, we performed this study in a canine model of tracheal stenosis induced using Nd-YAG laser.
Methods
After tracheal stenosis was induced in 12 Mongrel dogs using Nd-YAG laser, either Dumon (n=6) or Natural (n=6) stent was inserted into the trachea. To assess the degree of stent migration and mucostasis, bronchoscopy was performed every week for 4 weeks, after which all stents were removed. One week after stent removal, tracheal stenosis was evaluated by bronchoscopy.
Results
The degree of stent migration was not different between the dogs with Dumon stent (3.0±0.8) and those with Natural (2.0±1.0), nor was the degree of mucostasis, at Dumon (1.7±0.5) and Natural Stent (1.5±0.6), respectively. One week after stent removal, the degree of tracheal stenosis was not different between the Dumon (1.5±0.5) and the Natural group (1.0±0.4). In addition, there was no death and the degree of tracheal stenosis remained always within the safe limit (less than 2.0) in all animals.