Boston Scientific stent treats patients with pancreatitis

Boston Scientific has launched the AXIOS Stent and Electrocautery Enhanced Delivery System to help physicians manage two complications from pancreatitis using a minimally invasive endoscopic approach

The AXIOS System has been cleared for endoscopic management of pancreatic pseudocysts and certain types of walled-off pancreatic necrosis.

These conditions represent two types of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) that occur in 5-16% of patients with acute pancreatitis and 20-40% of patients with chronic pancreatitis. While some of these PFCs are asymptomatic and self-resolving, others cause severe symptoms and require treatment, according to Boston Scientific.

Kenneth Binmoeller, the inventor of the AXIOS System, said: "The AXIOS System provides a simpler and faster treatment option for patients. We can now provide an endoscopic solution that provides immediate relief for these patients using one device in a single setting."

Under endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance, a physician can use the AXIOS System electrocautery-enhanced catheter to gain access to the PFC and deploy the AXIOS stent which facilitates drainage of the PFC by creating a temporary channel between the PFC and the gastrointestinal tract.

Boston Scientific said that the stent, which is MRI compatible, fully covered and self-expanding, is the only removable metal stent in the US indicated for PFC drainage.

Todd Baron, professor of medicine and director of advanced therapeutic endoscopy, University of North Carolina Hospital, Chapel Hill, said: "In our practice, the delivery system has improved our procedural efficiency by reducing procedure time and patient exposure to X-ray imaging.

“In addition, we believe that the large diameter stent design is helping to reduce the cost of care by decreasing hospital length of stay and the number of interventions needed to manage this complex disease."