Development of Bile Duct Stent with Antifouling Property Using Atmospheric Pressure and Low Temperature Plasma

Abstract

Bile duct stent placement surgery is often performed to improve bile flow that has been impaired by biliary stricture. Conventional stents made of polyethylene cause blockage easily. We were inspired by the antifouling function of snail shells as a method for preventing blockages. For this study, we fabricated microstructures directly on the interior wall of the stent using an atmospheric pressure low-temperature plasma and verified its antifouling function. Plasma treatment fabricated microstructures, thereby improving the surface area by 2.1 times and roughness by 1.4 times. Results of animal experiments revealed that the substance adhering on the interior wall of the plasma-treated stent was about 40% less than those of the untreated stent. The plasma-treated stent can contribute considerably to reducing the burdens of surgery on patients by decreasing the frequency of replacement surgery.