Table 1.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Inclusion criteria	1)Between 18 and 75 years of age
	2)Pathology-confirmed extrinsic compression or mixed pattern MAO resulting from cancer
	3)Airway obstruction at trachea and/or left/right bronchus
	4)Dyspnea of Hough-Jones grade III-IV [7]
	5)Inoperable lesions assessed by two experienced surgeons or patients' refusal of surgical treatment
	6)Willingness and ability to comply with the study procedures
Exclusion criteria	1)Suspected benign airway obstruction
	2)Intrinsic obstruction
	3)Perforation of any bronchus within the tracheal tree
	4)A history of metallic tracheal stent placement, EBRT, or airway surgery