Overview
A biliary stent is a tubular medical device inserted into the bile duct to alleviate obstructions caused by conditions such as pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, or benign strictures. It restores bile flow, preventing complications like jaundice, cholangitis, or liver damage. Stents are categorized into metal (self-expanding or balloon-expandable) and plastic types. Metal stents, often made of nitinol, offer longer patency but are costlier, while plastic stents are affordable but require frequent replacement. The choice depends on patient prognosis and obstruction severity.
Structure and Working Principle
Metal biliary stents are typically mesh-like tubes that expand upon deployment, anchoring securely within the duct. Nitinol stents use shape-memory alloy to adapt to body temperature, while stainless steel stents rely on balloon expansion. Plastic stents are rigid and pre-shaped for specific duct geometries. During placement, an endoscope or fluoroscope guides the stent to the obstruction site. Self-expanding stents deploy automatically, whereas balloon-expandable stents require inflation. The stent’s hollow core allows bile to bypass the blockage, restoring normal drainage.
Key Features
Modern biliary stents prioritize biocompatibility to minimize tissue irritation and inflammation. Metal stents often feature drug-eluting coatings (e.g., paclitaxel) to reduce tumor ingrowth and prolong patency. Some designs include anti-migration mechanisms like flared ends or anchoring fins. Plastic stents are lightweight and radiopaque for easy imaging. However, they are prone to biofilm formation and occlusion, limiting their use to short-term relief. Innovations include hybrid stents combining plastic flexibility with metal durability.
Application Areas
Biliary stents are primarily used in palliative care for inoperable malignancies, such as pancreatic or bile duct cancers. They also treat benign conditions like primary sclerosing cholangitis or postoperative strictures. In emergency settings, stents rapidly alleviate acute cholangitis or obstructive jaundice. Some stents are designed for percutaneous transhepatic placement when endoscopic access is impossible. Research explores biodegradable stents for temporary use.
Maintenance and Precautions
Stent occlusion is a common issue, requiring monitoring via liver function tests or imaging. Metal stents may need cleaning or replacement if clogged by sludge or tumor growth. Plastic stents typically require replacement every 3–6 months. Post-procedure, patients should report fever, pain, or jaundice, which may indicate infection or stent migration. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for high-risk cases. Proper sizing and placement are critical to avoid duct perforation or pancreatitis.
B2B Procurement Guide
Hospitals and distributors should evaluate stent compatibility with existing endoscopic systems (e.g., ERCP compatibility). Bulk purchases of plastic stents may reduce costs for high-volume settings, while metal stents suit long-term use. Verify supplier certifications (e.g., FDA, CE) and demand clinical data on patency rates. Negotiate service agreements for technician training and inventory management. Emerging markets may prefer cost-effective plastic stents, whereas advanced economies prioritize advanced metal designs.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：骨密度仪、双能x线骨密度仪、超声骨密度仪、制氧机、AED除颤仪、麻醉机、电子血压计、微波治疗仪、心电监护仪、血糖仪、肺功能仪、眼科激光治疗仪、血氧仪、高分子夹板、血管鞘、急救包、喉镜、高压注射器、手术显微镜、听力筛查仪、视力筛查仪、呼吸机、牙科综合治疗台、临时起搏器、可视喉镜
- 主营：波科一体式胆道支架、试剂盒、抗原检测试剂
- 主营：造影导管、微导管、血管鞘、胆道引流管、栓塞颗粒、微粒球、溶栓导管、PICC 导管、塞丁格套件、施乐辉贴膜、BD动脉采血器、强生缝合线、经皮导入器、巴德补片网塞
- 主营：止血夹、取石网篮、圈套器、南微支架、注射针
- 主营：输液港、电切环、活检针、胆道支架、内窥镜、医用胶、取石篮、喂养泵、三通阀、血管鞘、护理包、穿刺针、结扎夹、吻合器、动脉采血器、爱惜康缝合线、中心静脉导管、疝修补补片、透析导管、引流穿刺导管、麻醉气管插管、脑电传感器、球囊导管、神经导丝、医美缝线
- 主营：彩超、胃镜、肠镜、腹腔镜、宫腔镜、彩超探头、高频电刀、超声刀、送水泵
- 主营：灌洗器、注射泵、体金法、支架管、止血夹、胃管包、试剂盒、套管针、穿刺器、活检钳、活检针、血糖仪、皮肤胶、内窥镜、切开刀、医用胶、制氧机、输注泵、灌注器、反搏泵、眼压计、注射笔、注射针、手术刀、氧气袋
- 主营：进口耗材、除颤仪AED
- 主营：镍钛记忆合金材料、眼镜配件、电子配件、支架丝、弹簧、镍钛驱动器、智能锁
- 主营：可吸收止血纱、可溶可吸收止血绒、可降解止血纱、食道支架、肠道支架、胆道支架、可吸收止血绫、肛肠吻合器、管型吻合器、包皮吻合器、皮肤吻合器、直线切割吻合器、外科牵开器、取物袋、无针注射器
- 主营：病理标本子母袋、呼吸训练器、放疗定位膜、消化系统支架、医用射线防护喷剂
- 主营：医用消毒盒、医用器械盒、灭菌盒、PPSU消毒盒
- 主营：医疗器械消毒盒、医用消毒盒、手术器械消毒盒、内窥镜消毒盒、金属消毒盒、消毒盒、不锈钢消毒盒、铝合金消毒盒、塑料消毒盒、PPSU消毒盒