Preventive role of biodegradable pancreatobiliary stents

Table 1 Parameter comparison of mainstream biodegradable pancreatic and biliary stents

Stent (platform)	Material and design	Diameter	Length	Degradation cycle	Approval scope	Principal indications
ARCHIMEDES BPS	PDX (fast and medium variants); alternative polymer (slow variant); helical, dual-channel	6-10 Fr	40-125 mm	Fast approximately 12 days; medium approximately 20 days; slow approximately 11 weeks	CE-marked (Europe); FDA 510(k) (K243412), July 2025, for pancreatic duct drainage	PEP prophylaxis; pancreatic drainage; benign biliary and cystic-duct leaks
UNITY-B	Balloon-expandable magnesium alloy, polymer-coated	8-10 mm	Manufacturer range	Approximately 1-6 months	CE-marked (Europe); investigational in United States	Benign biliary strictures
PDX biliary stent (e.g., SX-ELLA-BD)1	PDX monofilament, self-expanding	Approximately 8-10 mm	30-80 mm	approximately 6 months to full resorption	CE-marked (Europe)	Benign biliary strictures; percutaneous and endoscopic use

¹Row-three parameters are indicative; confirm against the current manufacturer instructions-for-use before publication.

Degradation times are approximate and not directly comparable across platforms; reported values may reflect loss of mechanical strength, loss of structural integrity, or complete bioresorption. In-vivo degradation varies with polymer composition, device dimensions, ductal-fluid pH, infection and implantation site. Regulatory authorization and commercial availability vary by jurisdiction. BPS: Biodegradable pancreatobiliary stent; PDX: Polydioxanone; CE: Conformité Européenne; FDA: United States Food and Drug Administration; Fr: French gauge; PEP: Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis.