There are many types of airway stents, including:

There are several types of airway stents, including:

1. Silicone Stents – Flexible, biocompatible, and removable, commonly used for benign airway conditions.

2. Metal Stents (Self-Expanding Metallic Stents, SEMS) – Made of materials like nitinol or stainless steel; provide strong support but may lead to granulation tissue formation.

3. Hybrid Stents – Combine silicone and metal features for improved flexibility and stability.

4. Covered Stents – Have a silicone or polymer coating to prevent tissue ingrowth and migration.

5. Uncovered Stents – Lack a covering, allowing for tissue integration but increasing the risk of obstruction due to granulation.

6. Balloon-Expandable Stents – Deployed using a balloon catheter and offer precise placement control.

7. Bioabsorbable Stents – Made from materials that degrade over time, reducing the need for removal.

Each type is chosen based on the patient’s condition, airway anatomy, and expected duration of stent use.