Next-Generation Bio-Adaptive Stent for Safer Organ Repair

University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a bio-adaptive hybrid stent that balances high structural support with gradual flexibility, addressing the shortcomings of conventional stents, preventing stent migration, minimizing long-term irritation, and ultimately preventing the need for surgical removal.

Description

Injuries or blockages in hollow structures like the urethra, trachea, and esophagus often require stents to keep the passage open to aid in treatment or to help during healing. Traditional metal or plastic stents can cause problems, they can shift out of place, irritate tissue, or require a second procedure for removal. In many cases, these stents stay in the body too long, leading to pain, scarring, or infections. There is a major need for a smarter solution, one that provides strong support early on, then safely disappears once healing is complete. This novel stent technology combines a flexible metallic scaffold with temporary, bioresorbable components that help secure the stent during the critical healing window. These added supports, such as dissolvable anchor arms or flared ends, hold the device steady without requiring long-term anchoring that could damage tissue.

Applications

• Urethral strictures.
• Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.
• Pediatric esophageal repair.

Advantages

The stent’s hybrid design provides both immediate mechanical strength and a built-in timeline for gradual softening and absorption. The bioresorbable components help ensure the stent remains in position during the early, vulnerable phase of recovery, reducing risks like migration or tissue trauma. The stent can be delivered through a catheter, expands reliably to fit the anatomy, and provides durable early support. As the healing process progresses, these components dissolve, leaving behind a gentler, more flexible structure, or in some cases, eliminating the need for a permanent implant. This gradual transition reduces chronic irritation, improves patient comfort, and simplifies care by avoiding follow-up procedures for removal. The adaptable, modular design can be tuned for various anatomical needs, making it a highly versatile solution for conditions where temporary but secure internal support is critical.

Invention Readiness

Prototypes of the bio-adaptive stent have been developed and tested in laboratory settings and early animal models. The materials such as magnesium-based alloys and medical-grade biodegradable polymers have been optimized to degrade at predictable rates, balancing support with safety. Preclinical studies are ongoing to evaluate long-term integration, degradation behavior, and healing outcomes in specific use-case models.

IP Status

Patent pending

Related Publication(s)

Ibrahim, M., Nghiem, K.X., Chung, K., Elsisy, M., Gosai, U.J., Kim, S., Ye, S., Wagner, W.R., & Chun, Y. (2023). A Novel Low-Profile Self-Expanding Biodegradable Percutaneous Heart Valve Frame That Grows with a Child. Coatings, 13(1),184. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/13/1/184

Jingyao, W., Mady, L.J., Roy, A., Aral, A.M., Lee, B., Zheng, F., Catalin, T., Chun, Y., Wagner, W.R., Yang, K., Bittar, H.E.T., Chi, D., & Kumta, P.N. (2020). In-vivo efficacy of biodegradable ultrahigh ductility Mg-Li-Zn alloy tracheal stents for pediatric airway obstruction. Communications Biology, 18,3(1),787. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33339963/

Kim, S., Nowicki, K.W., Ye, S., Jang, K., Elsisy, M., Ibrahim, M., Chun, Y., Gross, B.A., Friedlander, R.M., & Wagner, W.R. (2022). Bioabsorbable, elastomer-coated magnesium alloy coils for treating saccular cerebrovascular aneurysms. Biomaterials, 290, 121857. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36326510/