Development of biliary stent applying the antibacterial activity of silver: A literature review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic transpapillary stenting is commonly performed in patients with obstructive jaundice caused by a biliary stricture. Although the plastic stent (PS) is widely used for biliary drainage because of the low-cost and easy procedure, patency is short after placement in the bile duct because of the small diameter. Dysfunction of PS is primarily caused by biliary sludge that forms as a result of bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation on the inner surface of the stent. It is well known that silver ions have excellent antibacterial activity against a wide range of microorganisms. OBJECTIVE: This review provides an overview and perspective of the significance of silver-coated biliary stents. METHODS: We collected literature regarding silver-coated biliary stents, and reviewed the current research/development status and discussed their possible usefulness. RESULTS: To date, several in vivo/vitro studies evaluated the patency of silver-blended or silver-coated biliary stents. These studies suggested that the silver coating on a PS was likely to prolong the patency period. CONCLUSION: The development of biliary stents using silver is expected to prolong stent patency and prevent frequent stent replacement.

Biliary stents: models and advancements

“…While bile sludge, bile stasis, contact of bile with a foreign surface and bacteria facilitate stent lumen obstruction [10][11][12], coating the inner lumen with perfluoroalkoxyl or a different material and adding an anti-reflux valve mechanism may delay the occlusion of the stents [13] . Silver coating of metallic stents may prolong the luminal opening [14]. Antibiotic-containing stents and biodegradable stents are stents produced as a result of different searches [15].…”