Evaluating a 3D-printed biodegradable paclitaxel-eluting stent for biliary stricture management after liver transplantation: An in vivo porcine study
- Author:
Jiyoung KIM
1
;
YoungRok CHOI
;
Joon Koo HAN
;
Jae Hyun KIM
;
Dong-Heon HA
;
Eui Soo HAN
;
Jiwon KOH
;
Jae-Yoon KIM
;
Jaewon LEE
;
Hyun Hwa CHOI
;
Su young HONG
;
Jeong-Moo LEE
;
Suk Kyun HONG
;
Kwang-Woong LEE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From: Annals of Liver Transplantation 2025;5(2):89-97
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Liver transplantation (LT) is the standard treatment for end-stage liver disease; however, it can lead to biliary strictures in 25%–30% of cases. We aimed to develop a biodegradable stent loaded with paclitaxel that could be inserted during surgery without requiring removal. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of this stent using a porcine model.
Methods:Fourteen pigs underwent simulated ischemic injury during LT, and a biodegradable paclitaxel-eluting stent was inserted after duct-to-duct anastomosis.Pigs were divided into four groups: no stent (n=3), bare stent (n=3), 300 µg paclitaxel stent (n=4), and 900 µg paclitaxel stent (n=4). After 3 months of follow-up, autopsies were conducted to obtain common bile duct tissue samples, and inflammation and fibrosis thicknesses were assessed under a microscope.
Results:Most tissues had resolved the inflammatory reactions by the 3-month mark. The thinnest fibrosis thickness was observed in the 900 µg group (359.08±167.23 µm); however, no statistical significance was observed.
Conclusion:This study demonstrated the safety of paclitaxel-eluting biodegradable biliary stents and their positive effects on fibrosis in an ischemic bile duct porcine model. This biodegradable stent represents a potential approach for overcoming the complications associated with biliary strictures after LT.
