Esophageal Stent Alleviates Benign Strictures

A fully covered metal stent provides new treatment options for patients with benign narrowing of the esophagus.

The WallFlex esophageal stent is made of a nickel-titanium (Nitinol) wire braided construction that provides luminal patency in the presence of strictures or benign tumors. The stent is designed for gradual expansion, typically complete in 24-72 hours; it features a Permalume silicone coating that is designed to prevent tumor in-growth, seal concurrent esophageal fistulas, and help reduce food impaction. The WallFlex Stent also provides physicians with clear visualization during fluoroscopy, aiding in accurate placement, as well as progressive, step flared ends that assist in anchoring the stent within the esophageal lumen.

An additional feature is a Teflon coated polyester suture that enables easy removal for up to eight weeks, potentially saving patients from having to visit the hospital to undergo additional dilations. The WallFlex Esophageal Fully Covered Stent is a product of Boston Scientific (Natick, MA, USA), and has received the European Community CE marking of approval. The stent is not approved for the removal from malignant strictures and has not been approved in the United States for the treatment of refractory benign esophageal strictures.

“Building on the best of Boston Scientific's industry-leading stents, the expanded indication for the WallFlex Esophageal Fully Covered Stent demonstrates our commitment to physician needs and dedication to improving patient outcomes,” said David Pierce, president of endoscopy at Boston Scientific. “This enables physicians in the European Union to provide additional options for the treatment and management of patients suffering from benign esophageal strictures.”

“Fully covered esophageal stents are a valid therapeutic option in patients with benign refractory esophageal strictures,” said Javier Jimenez, MD, chief of the Endoscopy Department at Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (Pamplona, Spain). “I use the WallFlex Esophageal Stent because its small profile and radiopacity facilitate accurate placement, the migration rate is low, and stent removal is usually easy.”

Benign esophageal strictures are a narrowing or tightening of the esophagus caused by scarring that cause swallowing difficulties. Strictures can be caused by or associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophagitis, a dysfunctional lower esophageal sphincter, disordered motility, lye ingestion, or a hiatal hernia. Strictures can also form after esophageal surgery and other treatments such as laser therapy or photodynamic therapy (PDT). The primary treatment is dilation of the esophagus, which may need to be repeated after a period if the stricture recurs.

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