Endoscopic treatment of aspiration using a laryngeal stent.

The use of a laryngeal stent to obturate the glottis and prevent chronic aspiration has been described. Comparison with previously described surgical techniques used in treating chronic aspiration has been made. We believe laryngeal stenting is a good alternative for the initial and temporary treatment of chronic aspiration for as long as one year. The main advantage of the procedure is that it can be performed and reversed endoscopically. Patients with uncorrectable underlying conditions, causing them to chronically aspirate will require a more permanent surgical solution to their problem.