Understanding Different Types of Gastroenterology Stents: Metal vs. Plastic, Covered vs. Uncovered
Gastroenterology stents are life-changing medical devices used to open blocked or narrowed passages in the digestive tract, such as the esophagus, bile ducts, or colon. They allow for the immediate alleviation of symptoms, enabling patients to eat, drink, and function normally. For clinicians and procurement specialists, understanding the different types of stents is key to selecting the right device for a specific clinical scenario. Leading Gastroenterology Stent Manufacturers offer a variety of options, primarily categorized by material and design. The first major choice is between Metal and Plastic stents. • Self-Expanding Metal Stents (SEMS): Made from alloys like nitinol, these stents are compressed into a delivery system and expand to a predetermined diameter once deployed. They offer excellent flexibility, strong radial force to keep the passage open, and a large lumen. They are the preferred choice for most malignant obstructions due to their superior patency rates. • Plastic ...