FDA Clears Colorectal Stent

The FDA has approved a new colorectal stent for treating malignant obstructions resulting from colon cancer. The Memotherm colorectal stent from C. R. Bard Inc. (Murray Hill, NJ) is a minimally invasive alternative for patients with bowel obstruction due to malignant growths and strictures.

The self-expanding nitinol stent is preloaded on a flexible delivery catheter and endoscopically placed into the colon, without any incisions or general anesthesia required. Once deployed in the area of obstruction, the shape memory of nitinol expands in response to body temperature and applies constant radial pressure to restore luminal patency and improve bowel function.

The product will be marketed through Bard's Interventional Products division and will be available immediately.

Edited by Ursula Jones