Abstract
We previously reported a spiral cone-type endoscopic nasobiliary drainage catheter (Spiral-K ENBD catheter, Gadelius Medical, Tokyo, Japan) with a tip having a three-dimensional shape to prevent a stone from sliding upstream past the tip in patients of choledocholithiasis. We have used this catheter and also used a newly designed plastic stent (Spiral-K stent, Gadelius Medical).” Also, the second time a company is mentioned we do not have to give the location.) This stent is 7 Fr in diameter with a distal spiral cone-shaped tip and a proximal pigtail-shaped end and is 5 cm long at the straight part. We used it in 31 choledocholithiasis patients.
The Spiral-K stent was successfully placed in all 31 patients and provided good biliary drainage. In addition, upstream passage of the stones was prevented. No distal migrations and complications were observed during insertion, indwelling and removal. In conclusion, the Spiral-K stent appears suitable for choledocholithiasis patients.
