A bioresorbable urethral stent. An experimental study

The aim of the present study was to examine the suitability of biodegradable polymers as materials for a urethral stent. A new urethral stent made of biodegradable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) was implanted in 16 male rabbits after urethrotomy. Seven stents of stainless steel served as c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inUrological research Vol. 21; no. 3; p. 235
Main Authors Kemppainen, E, Talja, M, Riihelä, M, Pohjonen, T, Törmälä, P, Alfthan, O
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Germany 01.05.1993
Subjects
Absorption
Animals
Biodegradation, Environmental
Endoscopy
Equipment Design
Male
Polyesters
Rabbits
Stainless Steel
Stents - adverse effects
Urethra - pathology
Urethra - surgery
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Summary:The aim of the present study was to examine the suitability of biodegradable polymers as materials for a urethral stent. A new urethral stent made of biodegradable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) was implanted in 16 male rabbits after urethrotomy. Seven stents of stainless steel served as controls. The dimensions of the two types of stents were identical: length 15 mm, diameter 8.2 mm. The mechanical construction was a helical spiral. The SR-PLLA spiral was sustained with three microspirals, and the whole device was coated with DL-lactide to achieve an active initial tissue reaction and better tissue penetration. The SR-PLLA stent showed more favourable implantation properties than the steel one. Within 6 months all PLLA stents had implanted, and the tissue reaction around the stent material was minimal. The helical spiral of stainless steel induced a remarkable inflammatory reaction due to poor implantation properties. We suggest that biodegradable SR-PLLA is a promising material for a urethral stent to prevent re-stenosis of urethral strictures.
ISSN:0300-5623
DOI:10.1007/BF00590042