A new self-expandable and removable stent for esophageal cancer: A preliminary report

A preliminary experience with a new self-expandable and removable esophageal stent made from a single flat wire of nickel-titanium alloy is reported. The advantages of this new prosthesis are represented by the possibility of removing the stent itself, and by its structure, which avoids tumor in growth and epithelial trauma due to the edges of the stent. Since November 1994, we have used this stent in 5 patients with unresectable malignant esophageal and cardial obstruction. No complication occurred during stent positioning, and after a median follow up of 4 months. All patients had a permanent and significant improvement of dysphagia. Although the follow up is short, the preliminary results are encouraging, and this stent seems to have some advantages over the current commercially available ones, expecially in the management of cardial malignancies.