Gastric stent developed in UAE could offer relief to patients after weight-loss surgery

Scientists in the United Arab Emirates have created a biodegradable gastric stent to address leaks that may occur post-weight-loss surgery. This 3D-printed device dissolves inside the body, eliminating the need for a subsequent removal operation. Developed by researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi, this enhanced stent is an improvement over an earlier version revealed this year.

The stent, unveiled by Dr Khalil Ramadi, an assistant professor of bioengineering at NYU Abu Dhabi, showcases the potential of re-engineering medical devices using advanced manufacturing techniques to significantly improve their performance. By altering the stent's internal architecture and incorporating biodegradable materials, the team aims to tackle the limitations of existing devices and provide more effective treatments for patients.

Gastric leaks, a complication in a small percentage of bariatric surgery patients, can lead to severe issues such as abscess formation due to fluid escaping from the stomach. To address this, surgeons often insert a gastric stent across the leak's site, sealing it to prevent stomach contents from escaping and improving drainage.

However, current stents are often not well-suited for the stomach and may result in slow drainage, slippage, and the need for multiple procedures before the leak is successfully treated and healed. Dr Ramadi's laboratory, in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, has developed a novel stent called Bridge, which stands for Biodegradable aRchitected Internal DrainaGE.

This device is designed to enhance drainage while reducing the burden of treatment for patients, as it needs to be removed only after six weeks to three months, unlike the usual six to nine months required for existing stents.

While the technology is not yet ready for clinical use, the researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi are hopeful that their engineering approach can benefit various in-body drainage devices. The university emphasizes that this innovation represents a significant step forward in addressing complications that arise after weight-loss surgery, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the need for prolonged hospitalization.