Gastrointestinal (GI) tract perforations are relatively frequent surgical emergencies, are potentially life-threatening, and can occur from several different sources. In general, treatment requires urgent surgical repair or resection and at times can lead to further complications. Currently available stents are non-absorbable, are manufactured in a narrow size range, and/or are limited to usage in locations that are accessible for endoscopic removal post-healing. Using a polycaprolactone-polydioxanone composite, we have developed 3D-printed biodegradable stents that can be customized for each patient, will degrade with time to eliminate the need for further surgeries for stent removal post-healing, and will be usable in locations that are not endoscopically accessible. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) tests were conducted to separately analyze the effects of composition, the filament formation process, and physiological temperature on the PCL-PDO material properties. The proposed stent design was then modelled using computer-aided design, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used to simulate the effects of physiologically relevant forces on stent integrity. In-vitro studies were used to evaluate the biocompatibility of the polymer composite, cell adhesion to the stents, and stent degradation. PCL-PDO stents were then 3D-printed and placed in-vivo in pig intestines, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed use of these stents.

3D-printed biodegradable stents for treatment of gastrointestinal tract obstructions and perforations

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.