A NEW SELF-EXPANSIVE INTRAURETHRAL STENT USING SHAPE-MEMORY ALLOY - APRELIMINARY-REPORT OF ITS AVAILABILITY

Objectives. We describe a new stent made from shape memory alloy (SMA) first developed by our collaborative group, its structure, and a simp le and easy procedure for its placement and removal without the need f or a monitoring system or sedation. Methods. The stent made of SMA was placed in 5 dogs for 10 months. It was left in situ in the shape of t hermal expansion while the obturator Foley catheter was removed. Resul ts. Placement and removal of the stent was very easy and quick on each occasion in all 5 dogs. No proximal or distal dislodgement was observ ed in 5 dogs during the indwelling period. There was no encrustation o r calcification on the surface of the stent at its removal. Conclusion s. These preliminary results suggest that the SMA spiral stent might b e an alternative for the relief of prostatic obstruction and be well t olerated in patients with bladder outlet obstruction. The SMA spiral s tent is being developed for clinical use.