ELECTROLYTIC STENTS TO INHIBIT TUMOR-GROWTH - AN EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY INVITRO AND IN RATS

Obstruction of metallic stents used in the management of malignant bil iary strictures is common and in several cases due to tumor growth thr ough the stent wall. In an experimental animal model in rats, a tumor was implanted subcutaneously adjacent to different metallic stents. In growth of tumor through the wall of these stents was frequent. A stent generating direct electric current on the basis of electrolysis was d eveloped and tested in vitro and in the experimental model. The study confirms that an ''electrolytic'' stent can inhibit ingrowth of tumor.