NATICK, Mass.—Boston Scientific Corporation recently announced the U.S. and international launch of the WallFlex® Biliary Transhepatic Stent System. This third-generation stent platform is now available with a percutaneous delivery system designed for use by interventional radiologists in the palliative treatment of biliary strictures produced by malignant tumors. The WallFlex Biliary Transhepatic Fully Covered Stent System is also available for the treatment of benign biliary strictures in CE marked countries.
"We are very excited that the WallFlex Stent technology, originally designed for gastroenterologists, is now available for interventional radiologists and the patients we typically treat through percutaneous procedures," said Kelvin Hong, MD, of Johns Hopkins University. "The WallFlex Biliary Transhepatic Stent System offers the latest advances in self-expanding metal stent technology with a delivery system designed specifically for the interventional treatment of malignant biliary strictures."
The WallFlex Biliary Transhepatic Stent is available in fully covered, partially covered and uncovered versions in multiple sizes to accommodate different anatomical and clinical requirements. The covered stents have a silicone polymer Permalume® coating designed to reduce the potential for tumor/tissue ingrowth, and an integrated retrieval loop for endoscopic removal or repositioning during the initial procedure in patients that may have an ERCP performed.
"The launch of the WallFlex Biliary Transhepatic Stent System extends the ability of this technology to treat more patients with biliary strictures," said David Pierce, president of the endoscopy division at Boston Scientific.
The WallFlex Biliary RX Stents and the WallFlex Biliary Transhepatic Stents are CE-Marked and have received FDA clearance for the palliative treatment of malignant biliary strictures. Additionally, the WallFlex Biliary RX Fully Covered Stent and the WallFlex Biliary Transhepatic Fully Covered Stent System are CE-Marked for the treatment of benign biliary strictures.
* The safety and effectiveness of the WallFlex Biliary RX Stent System and the WallFlex Biliary Transhepatic Stent System for use in the vascular system have not been established.
