Question 1

Stent size for small breeds (Yorkie, Pomeranian, Poodle 6 kg)

Accepted Answer

The stent size should be determined by considering two main factors:a. Tracheal internal diameter: this is assessed on dynamic radiographs, ensuring that the stent selected is slightly larger in diameter than the trachea to ensure a proper fit.b. Length of the affected segment: it is crucial to choose a stent that covers the necessary length of the collapse or stenosis, but without interfering with adjacent structures such as the larynx or main bronchi.Suggested approximate sizes that other colleagues usually ask for are:Yorkie/Pomeranian (2-4 kg): Stents with internal diameters of 6-8 mm and lengths between 2-4 cm.Poodle or similar breeds (~6 kg): Stents with internal diameters of 8-10 mm and lengths of 4-6 cm.However, the final size is always at the discretion of the veterinarian, depending on the case and the particularities of the patient.

Question 2

Can tracheal width measurement be used as a reference?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the internal diameter of the trachea is used as the primary reference for determining the stent diameter. This value should be taken at the widest point and at the narrowest area of the affected trachea to ensure a proper fit.The length should exceed 5mm at the ends of the stenosis, so that the ends of the stent ‘float’ in the area, avoiding excessive rubbing of the stent edges against the healthy part of the trachea (the stents have biseal edges to minimise this anyway).

Question 3

How is the size of a stent determined?

Accepted Answer

For determining the measure, a bronchoscope or tracheoscope would be fine, and is the common instrument the physicians have in their human interventional facilities. But anything that helps you for comparison is good too.
For example: a forceps or a catheter.
The maneuver to determine the length of the stent would be:
putting the extreme of the object in the distal end of the injury, 
mark the object,
move the object to the proximal end,
mark the object again,
measure the distance between the 2 marks,
pick a stent that exceeds that length in about 10mm (5mm before the injury and 5 mm after the injury).

To determine the diameter of a bronchoscope or tracheoscope are very good too, but any object that you know the diameter and is approximate to the animal larynx or trachea diameter is also good. Even a forceps, that you can open inside the injury, remove without changing and then measure the size of that opening.

Question 4

What does the ‘Starter Kit’ include, and how does the price compare?

Accepted Answer

Our Starter Kits offer an extremely competitive solution: the cost of a complete kit is roughly equivalent to the price of a commercially available nitinol mesh stent for veterinary use.This allows the clinic to build up a versatile initial stock for the same investment that a single nitinol device would require.In this case, the clinic has silicone stents of various diameters and lengths, enabling it to respond to any emergency.

Question 5

How do I choose the stent diameter?

Accepted Answer

The diameter is chosen to ensure sufficient patency without being ‘oversized’. As a quick guide, the size of the endotracheal tube you would use can help you estimate this, and this is then confirmed by visual inspection and/or X-ray, as appropriate.

Question 6

How do I choose the length of the stent?

Accepted Answer

For laryngeal paralysis, lengths of 20–40 mm work best for most patients. Lengths of 50 or 60 mm are reserved for selected large dogs. Avoiding excessive lengths reduces coughing and irritation and makes post-operative care easier.