Gastrointest Interv.  2016 Jul;5(2):85-90. 10.18528/gii160009.

Enteral stent construction: Current principles

• Laasch HU
• Edwards DW
• Song HY

• KMID: 2349109
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18528/gii160009

Abstract

The insertion of self-expanding stents into malignant strictures of the small and large bowel has become a routine procedure around the world. However, stent development has happened very much on a "trial & error" approach, based mostly on bright ideas of enthusiastic individuals or marketing decisions by the manufacturer. A large variety of stents are commercially available, covered to a variable degree by a membrane to reduce tissue ingrowth. However, in vitro characteristics and in vivo behavior vary significantly between stents and few operators are aware of the differences. While the ideal stent still remains to be defined, it is important that interventionists understand the variations, in order to make the best possible choice for the individual patient. This article illustrates current principles of stent construction.

Keyword

Abdominal neoplasms; Endoscopy, gastrointestinal; Palliative medicine; Radiology, interventional; Self expandable metallic stents

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Neoplasms
Constriction, Pathologic
Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
Humans
In Vitro Techniques
Marketing
Membranes
Palliative Medicine
Radiology, Interventional
Self Expandable Metallic Stents
Stents*