Futuristic Developments and Applications in Endoluminal Stenting

Endoscopic stenting is a well-established option for the treatment of malignant obstruction, temporary management of benign strictures, and sealing transmural defects, as well as drainage of pancreatic fluid collections and biliary obstruction. In recent years, in addition to expansion in indications for endoscopic stenting, considerable strides have been made in stent technology, and several types of devices with advanced designs and materials are continuously being developed. In this review, we discuss the important developments in stent designs and novel indications for endoluminal and transluminal stenting. Our discussion specifically focuses on (i) biodegradable as well as (ii) irradiating and drug-eluting stents for esophageal, gastroduodenal, biliary, and colonic indications, (iii) endoscopic stenting in inflammatory bowel disease, and (iv) lumen-apposing metal stent.

Novel 15-mm-long lumen-apposing metal stent for endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections located ≥10 mm from the luminal wall

Background Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) by cautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) has largely been limited to collections located < 10 mm from the luminal wall. We present outcomes of the use of a novel 15-mm-long cautery-enhanced LAMS for drainage of PFCs located ≥ 10 mm away. Methods This international, multicenter study analyzed all adults with PFCs located ≥ 10 mm from the luminal wall who were treated by EUS-guided drainage using the 15-mm-long cautery-enhanced LAMS. The primary outcome was technical success. Secondary outcomes included clinical success (decrease in PFC size by ≥ 50 % at 30 days and resolution of clinical symptoms without surgical intervention), complications, and recurrence. Results 35 patients (median age 57 years; interquartile range [IQR] 47–64 years; 49 % male) underwent novel LAMS placement for drainage of PFCs (26 walled-off necrosis, 9 pseudocysts), measuring 85 mm (IQR 64–117) maximal diameter and located 11.8 mm (IQR 10–12.3; range 10–14) from the gastric/duodenal wall. Technical and clinical success were high (both 97 %), with recurrence in one patient (3 %) at a median follow-up of 123 days (58–236). Three complications occurred (9 %; one mild, two moderate). Conclusions The 15-mm-long cautery-enhanced LAMS was feasible and safe for drainage of PFCs located 10–14 mm from the luminal wall.

P-P36 AXIOS™ stents in the management of pancreatic fluid collections: case series from a single healthcare trust

Background This was a consecutive case-series of all pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) managed with AXIOS™ stents in a 3 year period from a single healthcare trust, retrospectively analysed to determine the rate of technical success, clinical success and adverse events related to the procedure. Methods All patients in who underwent AXIOS stenting for PFCs in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust between May 2016 and July 2019 were included, with a follow-up period of 1 year. Electronic care records (ECR) and Radiology reports were reviewed for each patient. PFCs were categorised into walled-of pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) and pseudocysts as per the revised Atlanta classification. The number of repeat procedures, endoscopic lavage +/- necrosectomy, the need for definitive surgery or any adverse events post-procedure were recorded. Results 45 patients were included in the study (21 male, 24 female). 17 patients (37.8 %) had WOPN and 28 (62.2 %) pancreatic pseudocysts. Median collection diameter on CT imaging was 12 cm (range 6.2 – 22 cm). The procedure was technically successful in 43 patients (95.6%), with stent mal-deployment in the remaining 2. Median duration for stenting was 29.5 days (Range 13 – 92). The procedure was clinically successful for 33 patients (73.3%). n = 8 (17.8%) of patients were re-admitted with sepsis following stent insertion requiring intravenous antibiotics. n = 16 (35.6%) patients required repeated endoscopic lavage +/- necrosectomy following stent blockage (n = 11 WOPN, n = 5 pseudocyst). n = 2 (4.4%) stents accidentally dislodged during lavage necessitating surgical removal. n = 4 (8.9%) patients required a second AXIOS stent within 45 days of removal, n = 2 (4.4%) required CT guided drainage and n = 8 (17.8%) ultimately required surgical intervention.The rate of adverse events post-procedure was 33.3%. Conclusions AXIOS stenting appears to be effective first-line in the “step-up” approach to managing PFCs. Despite some drawbacks, our study showed they were technically successful in 95.6% and clinically successful in 73.3% of cases, requiring no further intervention. For PFCs that do require surgery, AXIOS stenting may allow for a period of patient optimisation prior to definitive treatment.

The Role of Contrast-Enhanced Harmonic Endoscopic Ultrasound in Interventional Endoscopic Ultrasound

Over the last decades, contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound (CH-EUS) has emerged as an important diagnostic tool for the diagnosis and differentiation of several gastrointestinal diseases. The key advantage of CH-EUS is that the influx and washout of contrast in the target lesion can be observed in real time, accurately depicting microvasculature. CH-EUS is established as an evidence-based technique complementary to B-mode EUS to differentiate solid appearing structures, to characterize mass lesions, and to improve the staging of gastrointestinal and pancreatobiliary cancer. In the last few years, interest has increased in the use of CH-EUS in interventional procedures such as tissue acquisition, tumor ablation, biliary drainage, and the management of pancreatic fluid collections. The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the available evidence and future expectations of CH-EUS in interventional EUS.

TP6.1.6 The management of pancreatic fluid collections with AXIOS stenting in Belfast HSCT

Aims To assess the viability of using lumen-apposing self-expandable AXIOS stents, inserted under endoscopic ultrasound guidance, in the management of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. Methods Data for all AXIOS stents inserted endoscopically between May 2016 and July 2019 were included. Electronic care records (ECR) and Radiology reports were reviewed for each patient. PFCs were categorised into walled-of pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) and pseudocysts, and the number of repeat procedures, OGDs with lavage, or the need for definitive surgery were recorded. The timeframe to surgery and whether PFCs recollected was also noted. Results 45 AXIOS stents were inserted for PFCs in the audit period. n = 17 (37.8%) were for WOPN, n = 28 (62.2%) for pseudocysts. Mean duration of stenting was 38 ± 19.7 days. n = 11 (35.6%) patients were readmitted for sepsis with stent in situ, and n = 16 (35.6%) required OGD and lavage for stent blockage (n = 11 WOPN; n = 5 pseudocyst). n = 2 (4.4%) stents accidentally dislodged during lavage necessitating surgical removal. n = 4 (8.9%) patients required a second AXIOS stent following removal, n = 2 (4.4%) required CT guided drainage and n = 8 (17.8%) ultimately required surgical intervention. Conclusions Despite some drawbacks, including the need for intermittent OGD and lavage to maintain patency, AXIOS stenting appears to be effective first-line management for PFCs. Our audit showed they were successful in 71% of cases, requiring no further intervention. In PFCs that do require surgical management, AXIOS stenting may represent an effective bridge to surgery allowing for patient optimization before definitive care.