BACKGROUND: Insertion of metallic stents for esophageal stenoses is well established, but these stents are technically difficult to place elsewhere in the GI tract. Moreover, major complications have occurred when metal stents with sharp ends have been placed in these locations. The currently available flexible, blunt-ended, knitted @entity5648 stent is intended for use only in the esophagus. Because its short delivery system cannot reach segments of the gut distal to the esophagus, the delivery device was modified to facilitate intestinal access, and its performance was evaluated in the treatment of @entity1321 . METHODS: The Ultraflex delivery system was modified by connecting an additional plastic tube and a suture cord; the length was increased from 95 cm to 150 cm or more. Stents used were 18 to 23 mm in diameter, and 10 to 15 cm in length. A knitted metal stent was inserted by using the modified delivery system in 10 @entity1 (7 @entity1 , 3 @entity1 , mean age 68 years); 8 with gastric outlet, 1 with jejunal, and 1 with proximal @entity694 . RESULTS: Metal stent insertion was successful in all @entity1 with significant relief of symptoms and restoration of the ability to eat. The @entity1 with a jejunal stent required placement of a second stent because of bending of the initial stent. No major complications (migration or perforation) occurred. CONCLUSION: This technique appears to facilitate placement of a metal stent with blunt ends in the duodenum, small intestine, and proximal colon. Manufacturers should offer blunt-ended stents with long delivery devices.

Knitted XXXX stent insertion for various intestinal stenoses with a modified delivery system.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['women', 'patients', 'patient', 'men'] @entity694 :: ('MESH:D003110', 'Disease') :: ['colonic obstruction'] @entity1321 :: ('MESH:D007415', 'Disease') :: ['malignant intestinal obstructions'] @entity5648 :: ('MESH:C013616', 'Chemical') :: ['nitinol']
@entity5648 :: (MESH:C013616,Chemical) :: ['nitinol']
