The ultraflex diamond stent for malignant biliary obstruction.
The Ultraflex Diamond stent presents three features that might be of interest when treating biliary strictures: ease of insertion, high flexibility, and presentation of relatively large meshes. Limited clinical studies have shown its efficacy in relieving duct obstruction (in contrast with some other stent models, correct positioning of the Ultraflex Diamond stent provides adequate biliary drainage in almost all cases), and satisfactory long-term patency rates. The main improvement awaited is an efficient means to prevent late stent obstruction. The addition of coverage to this stent is feasible and could be the first step toward this goal.
Dumonceau
J M
JM
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepato-Pancreatology, Erasme University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.
Devière
J
J
D000497:Alloys; D001650:Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D018583:Pliability; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011859:Radiography; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000497:Alloys; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; C013616:nitinol