Adventist Health Glendale Reaches Clinical Milestone With First Successful Airway Y-Stent Placement Procedure

A patient plagued by lifelong, severe asthma can now breathe freely thanks to the Interventional Pulmonology (IP) experts at Adventist Health Glendale. On October 18, 2024, board-certified interventional pulmonologist Dr. Ramyar Mahdavi and his team performed the hospital’s first airway Y-stent placement procedure, marking a significant step forward in Adventist Health Glendale’s IP capabilities.

The Y-stent placement procedure is a specialized technique in which a small expandable tube-like device shaped like the letter “Y” is inserted into the airway to prevent collapse and maintain a clear path for breathing. The procedure is particularly beneficial for patients with benign or malignant airway obstruction.

“I couldn’t believe it. I’d given up thinking I’d ever breathe easily again,” exclaimed patient Maria Gallegos. “It’s like he actually saved my life. I'm just so incredibly grateful." Gallegos shared that she hoped and prayed that the procedure would bring much-needed breathing relief but was surprised by the immediacy of the results. "I didn't expect to feel such a drastic improvement right away."

“The patient endured the debilitating effects of chronic asthma for many years, with severe breathing issues significantly impacting her quality of life,” explained Dr. Mahdavi. Despite undergoing various treatments, traditional asthma management techniques failed to provide any noticeable improvement. After meticulous evaluation, we found the patient has a non-malignant airway disease called EDAC or excessive dynamic airway collapse. Based on her extensive involvement of the airway, I chose to put a Y-stent for symptomatic improvement until she gets the primary treatment, which is another very complex surgery.”

"The minimally invasive procedure was performed using a rigid bronchoscope, which allows us to visualize the airway and accurately place the stent," said Dr. Mahdavi.

Within hours of the procedure, the patient showed marked improvement in breathing and oxygen levels. “Maria could breathe freely and clearly for the first time in years. This was a remarkable turnaround given the severity of her condition,” recalled Dr. Mahdavi.

The patient was discharged from the hospital the day after her operation, with instructions for follow-up care and monitoring. Her rapid recovery underscores the potential of the Y-stent procedure for patients with a narrowed or obstructed airway.

The success of the Y-stent procedure represents a significant milestone for Adventist Health Glendale and Glendale-area patients. It highlights the hospital’s commitment to providing world-class care and offering patients hope closer to home, particularly those suffering from severe, treatment-resistant respiratory conditions.

Dr. Mahdavi brings years of expertise in airway management and complex pulmonary interventions, having previously performed similar procedures when establishing the IP Program at Keck Medicine of USC. With experts like Dr. Mahdavi at the helm of its IP program, Adventist Health Glendale aims to continue expanding its advanced respiratory treatments, bringing innovative solutions to patients needing life-changing interventions.

Photo caption: Interventional pulmonology expert, Dr. Ramyar Mahdavi (left) with patient Maria Gallegos, the first airway y-stent recipient at Adventist Health Glendale.