Failure of expansion of covered self-expanding metal stent during tracheal stenting: Case report

Abstract

Twenty to thirty percent of patients with lung cancer present with central airway obstruction. Self-expanding metal stent (SEMS)is effective for recanalization of such lesions when caused by extrinsic compression, with the advantage of ease of deploymentwith a flexible bronchoscope. We report a case of failure of expansion of a SEMS during tracheal stenting. To our knowledge thisis a first report documenting this rare complication.