Boston Scientific Launches WallFlex Biliary Transhepatic Stent System

March 22, 2012—Boston Scientific Corporation (Natick, MA) announced the launch of the WallFlex biliary transhepatic stent system in the United States and international markets.

According to the company, this third-generation stent platform is now available with a percutaneous delivery system, which is designed for use 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 countries that recognize CE Mark approval.

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, which is 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 who may undergo endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Boston Scientific stated that the WallFlex biliary RX stents and the WallFlex biliary transhepatic stents have received CE Mark approval and US Food and Drug Administration 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 received CE Mark approval for the treatment of benign biliary strictures.

“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,” commented Kelvin Hong, MD. “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.”