Biodegradable Stent Placement for Airway Kinking After Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction Treatment

Abstract

Symptomatic airway kinking after bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves is rare. Owing to the development of the desired lobar atelectasis, the position of the airways of the nontreated lobe changes, and that might lead to invalidating symptoms. We present a case of a patient with symptomatic airway kinking after treatment with endobronchial valves, who was successfully treated with a single placement of a biodegradable stent. Placement of a biodegradable stent can be considered for symptomatic patients with airway kinking.