STENTS AND STENTING METHODS

摘要

A biliary stent (10) is constructed of thermoplastic material with ridges (16) and valleys (18) formed along the outer surface of the stent that provide a helical, thread-like configuration. The ridges (16) and valleys (18) can be formed in a variety of configurations, depths and pitches to accommodate different delivery devices and different anatomical features of the biliary tree. The ridges (16) and valleys (18) provide additional mechanical engagement with the luminal walls of the biliary tract to prevent unwanted displacement of the implanted stent (10) from a selected implant site. The stent (10) is configured to optionally have an elongate distal end (14) to facilitate the transmission of biliary fluids through the stent (10). Optional radiopaque markers (32) are provided on one or both ends (12, 14) of the stent (10) to allow for fluoroscopic visualization of the stent (10) orientation and placement within the biliary tract.