Gastrointestinal stents originally were developed to treat obstructing cancer in the GI tract, specifically esophageal cancer. The first developed stent was a gum-like, rubber tube used for esophageal dilation or passage via the mouth or nose across a tumor, thus acting as a feeding tube.1,2 Today, self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) and self-expanding plastic stents (SEPS) are the most widely used endoluminal stents.3
SEPs are composed of plastic polymers and are placed using a guide wire and fluoroscopy. Due to SEPs high migration rate and the development of more efficacious SEMs, SEPs are no longer preferred for management of malignant esophageal strictures. SEMS are made of stainless steel and can be inserted endoscopically or over a guide wire with fluoroscopy.
After insertion, the coiled springs are released, allowing the stent to expand to its original shape and provide radial force against the lumen.