[Endoprosthesis of the trachea in the treatment of cicatricial stenosis with tracheomalacia].

The authors discuss the results of the first experience in the clinical use of nitinol spiral endoprostheses as an artificial supporting framework of the trachea in local destruction of the tracheal cartilages and loss of rigidity of the tracheal wall. Tracheal endoprosthetics was carried out in 6 patients with cicatrical stenoses and tracheomalacia. The causes of possible complications (growth of granulation tissue into the tracheal lumen and displacement of the endoprosthesis) are analysed and the means of their prevention are suggested. It was established that the nithinol spiral endoprosthesis may be covered by epithelialized tracheal mucosa and provide an adequate rigid lumen for the tracheal area devoid of the framework. The diameter of the implanted prosthesis must be 2-3 mm larger than the diameter of the normal tracheal lumen. Temporary introduction of a protector tube into the repaired trachea may shorten the duration of treatment significantly.