IISc and Surgeons Develop New Dissolving Liver Stent

IISc and Surgeons Develop New Dissolving Liver Stent

Researchers from IISc Bengaluru and Aster CMI Hospital have developed a biodegradable dissolving stent. Specifically, this medical breakthrough aims to reduce the need for repeat surgeries after major liver transplants. This innovative device helps patients recover more smoothly. The “Asthana Stent” offers a safer way to manage delicate bile duct connections.

Bile duct complications affect nearly 40% of liver transplant patients. Currently, surgeons use plastic tubes to keep these ducts open while the body heals. However, these traditional stents require a second procedure for removal. This extra step adds significant cost and risk to the patient’s recovery. Consequently, medical teams sought a more efficient solution, often explored through specialized gastroenterology training.

The new device uses polydioxanone (PDS), which is a material often used in dissolvable surgical stitches. This biodegradable dissolving stent holds the duct open for approximately six weeks. During this window, the tissue heals properly. Afterward, the material naturally breaks down and the body absorbs it. Patients no longer need a separate surgery to remove the implant.

Engineering the Biodegradable Dissolving Stent

Engineering teams at IISc designed the tube to stay open under high pressure. They used surface ridges and velcro-like hooks to prevent the stent from moving. Additionally, a flexible mid-section allows for precise placement even in misaligned ducts. The device also features tiny radiopaque markers. These allow doctors to track the stent’s position using X-rays, a core component of advanced clinical imaging.

Advanced Medtech Solutions has now licensed this technology for manufacturing. The firm is currently seeking regulatory approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Furthermore, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has supported this vital project. Once approved, the stent will be available in multiple sizes. This ensures that surgeons can tailor the device to each patient’s unique anatomy, reflecting the high standards required in modern surgical practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What material is used in the Asthana Stent?

The stent is made from polydioxanone (PDS), a biodegradable polymer already widely used in dissolvable surgical sutures.

Q2: How long does the stent stay in the body?

The device maintains the opening of the bile duct for about six weeks. After this healing period, it gradually breaks down and is absorbed by the body.

Q3: Will this stent be available for all patients?

Once it receives CDSCO approval, the manufacturer will produce the stent in various sizes to suit different surgical needs.

References

1. From lab to market: IISc team, surgeon develop dissolving stent to cut 2ndsurgeries – ETHealthworld
2. Biodegradable Stents: A Breakthrough in the Management of Complex Biliary Tract Injuries: A Case Report – MDPI
3. Self-expandable absorbable biliary stents for liver transplant: progress and limitations – PMC (NIH)

Disclaimer: This article was automatically generated from publicly available sources and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. OC Academy does not exercise editorial control or claim authorship over this content. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider and refer to current local and national clinical guidelines.