Figure 2

Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) with the delivery system and the technical steps for stent placement into the porcine ET. Photographs showing (a) the tapered SEMS (T-SEMS) and (b) conventional SEMS (C-SEMS). (c) The steering control threads (arrows) were used to modulate the angle of the proximal end of the stent delivery system for easy access to ET orifice (maximum curved angle was 45°). (d) Endoscopic image showing the nasopharyngeal ostium (arrows) and inserted steerable delivery system. (e) The angled delivery system was inserted into the nasopharyngeal ostium. (f) The T-SEMS (arrow heads) was successfully placed into the ET.