Olympus is now distributing M/I. Tech’s LowAx colonic and duodenal uncovered stents in the U.S.
Olympus (TYO:7733) said it has launched two self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) for use as palliative measures for patients with short life expectancy or those with malignant colonic or duodenal obstruction.
Introduced at the Digestive Disease Week conference in San Diego, the 510(K)-cleared Hanarostent LowAx colonic and duodenal uncovered stents are made by M.I. Tech (South Korea) and distributed exclusively by Olympus in the U.S. The SEMS can be placed under fluoroscopic and endoscopic guidance and are designed to restore patency while minimizing the risk of migration. Patients benefit from SEMS placement as a palliative measure that enables rapid reversal of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and weight loss, without the risks associated with an invasive surgical procedure, the company said.
In the June 2019 issue of Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News (expected publication date June 15, 2019), Drs. Sherif Andrawes and David Diehl describe the SEMS as an “attractive alternative to surgery,” and specify cases for use as a palliative measure for patients with short life expectancy or those with malignant colonic or duodenal obstruction. Colonic SEMS placement “also can serve as a bridge to surgery for patients with an acute colon obstruction, providing necessary bowel decompression until elective 1-stage surgery can be performed,” the doctors said in a news release.
“Palliation of symptoms through the new Haranostent for colonic and duodenal obstructions can help improve the quality of life for patients facing a malignant diagnosis or obstruction,” added Kurt Heine, group vice president of the endoscopy division at Olympus America. “Olympus is pleased to continue expanding the line of these unparalleled stents to physicians and patients in the U.S.”
The Haranostent colonic (25mm, 22mm) and duodenal (22mm) SEMS are available in 3 lengths to target different strictures; 6cm, 9cm and 12cm.
