Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering (Sep 2018)

Development of biodegradable stents for the treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction

  • Schümann Kerstin,
  • Wilfling Tamara,
  • Paasche Gerrit,
  • Schuon Robert,
  • Robert Schuon,
  • Lenarz Thomas,
  • Schmidt Wolfram,
  • Grabow Niels,
  • Müller Heinz,
  • Momma Carsten,
  • Schmitz Klaus-Peter

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1515/cdbme-2018-0121
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 1
pp. 505 – 508

Abstract

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To provide an effective and safe therapy for chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), biodegradable stents should be developed to restore important functions, e.g. middle ear ventilation and drainage. After defining general requirements specifications, stent designs of cardiovascular polymeric stents were modified according to dimensions and conditions of the Eustachian tube. Finite element simulations demonstrated the crimping capacity of the developed stent design and the ability of expansion in the specific geometry of the target location. Subsequent in vitro tests of stent prototypes showed satisfying properties concerning crimpability, expansion behavior and elastic recoil to demonstrate general feasibility. Further developments and additional testing will advance the implementation of a new treatment option of ETD.

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