Biodegradable Stent Relieves Esophageal Constriction

A new biodegradable (BD) esophageal stent provides a comfortable and patient-friendly option to repeated balloon dilation procedures in patients with achalasia and peptic, anastomotic, and caustic strictures.

The BD Stent is made of polydioxanone (PDS), and is intended for the treatment of narrowing and tightening of the esophagus, which is traditionally treated by balloon dilatation, a treatment option that often has to be repeated whenever the esophagus contracts, causing discomfort for the patient and also necessitating repeat admission to a hospital. Among the features of BD Stent are sustained integrity and radial force, maintained for 6-8 weeks (pH dependent); a modified dual “flared-end” design reduces the risk of stent migration; and radiopaque markers at each end and midpoint assist precise positioning.


The BD Stent dissolves in a period of 11-12 weeks, similar to that of dissolvable sutures. The stent offers a reduced need for repeated balloon dilatation, improved patient comfort and satisfaction, fewer hospital admissions, and reduced costs. The BD Stent is a product of UK Medical (Sheffield, United Kingdom). It is available in a standard diameter of 25 mm, and lengths of 60 mm, 80 mm, 115 mm, and 135 mm; 18 mm, 20 mm, and 23 mm diameters are available upon request.

“It’s a very impressive piece of technology that provides real benefit to the patient, as well as providing long term cost savings to the NHS,” said Ian Aaron, Managing Director of UK Medical. “The BD Stent fits UK Medical’s product range perfectly, we never lose sight of the human story at the heart of every request for medical products and we put customers and patients first.”

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder involving the smooth muscle layer of the esophagus and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES); its causes are unknown. It is characterized by incomplete LES relaxation, increased LES tone, and inability of smooth muscle to move food down the esophagus in the absence of other explanations like cancer or fibrosis. Various treatments are available, although none cures the condition. Certain medications or Botox may be used in some cases, but more permanent relief is brought by esophageal dilatation and surgical cleaving of the muscle.

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