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The Use of Expandable Metal Stents for Large Airway Obstruction in Older Patients
Author(s) -
Jack Catherine I.A.,
Lye Michael,
Wilson Graeme,
Hind Charles R.K.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1995.tb06103.x
Subject(s) - medicine , spirometry , airway obstruction , airway , palliative care , quality of life (healthcare) , stent , surgery , oxygen tension , oxygen , asthma , chemistry , nursing , organic chemistry
OBJECTIVE: To review the indications, management, and outcome of 30 older patients who had expandable metal stents inserted for large airway obstruction. DESIGN: Information was collected retrospectively from case notes about presentation, radiographic appearances, pulmonary function, including arterial oxygen tension, and histology. Survival data were collected by reviewing hospital or General Practice records. MEASUREMENTS: Spirometry, peak expiratory flow rate, and blood gases were recorded before and after stent insertion. MAIN RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the patient's mean forced expiratory volume in 1‐second (FEV 1 ) and mean peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) . The arterial oxygen tension (pO 2 ) increased from 8.6 Kpa to 10.6 Kpa. The mean length of survival for the whole group was just under 5 months. CONCLUSIONS: Airway stenting for obstruction provides palliative and functional benefits in these severely disabled patients and a consequent improvement in quality of remaining life.