A small, dissolving tube developed in a Bengaluru lab is moving closer to clinical use, offering a promising way to avoid repeat procedures after major abdominal surgeries. Known as the “Asthana Stent,” the device represents a significant step forward in surgical care and post-operative recovery.
Collaboration Between Clinicians and Researchers
As reported by TOI, the innovation emerged from a collaboration between liver transplant surgeon Sonal Asthana of Aster CMI Hospital and a research team led by Kaushik Chatterjee at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The project brought together expertise from the institute’s Departments of Materials Engineering and Bioengineering, ensuring a strong blend of clinical insight and engineering innovation.
Addressing a Critical Surgical Challenge
The idea originated from a persistent challenge observed after liver transplants. Surgeons must connect bile ducts—a delicate procedure that can later result in leaks or narrowing. These complications affect 11% to 40% of patients and often require additional interventions.
Traditionally, doctors use plastic stents to keep the bile duct open during healing. However, these solutions come with limitations. Some extend outside the body and require careful handling, while others remain internal but must be removed later through another procedure, increasing both cost and risk.
A Biodegradable, Self-Resolving Solution
In contrast, the Asthana Stent offers a fundamentally different approach. It is made from polydioxanone (PDS), a biodegradable polymer already used in dissolvable surgical sutures. Once implanted, the stent maintains duct patency for approximately six weeks and then gradually dissolves within the body. As a result, patients do not require a second procedure for removal.
Engineering Precision and Functional Design
To translate this concept into a viable device, researchers including Thaseeb Rehman and Saswat Choudhury engineered the stent with precision. They designed it to remain stable under pressure and prevent migration by incorporating surface ridges and velcro-like hooks. Additionally, a flexible mid-section allows easy placement, even when bile duct openings are not perfectly aligned.
Moreover, the team added tiny radiopaque markers, enabling clinicians to track the stent through X-ray imaging. Tests demonstrated that the device can withstand pressures exceeding 16 Newtons—well above physiological requirements—while maintaining structural integrity for over six weeks in both laboratory conditions and human bile.
Moving Toward Commercialization and Approval
Following successful development, the team licensed the technology to Advanced Medtech Solutions Private Limited under an Indian patent. Consequently, the focus now shifts to large-scale manufacturing and regulatory approvals.
The company will navigate regulatory pathways set by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Additionally, the project has received support from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), further strengthening its translational potential.
Potential Impact on Patient Care
If approved, surgeons will use the stent during the initial procedure itself, and it will be available in multiple sizes to suit different clinical needs. Ultimately, this innovation could significantly improve patient outcomes by reducing the need for repeat surgeries and lowering the risk of post-operative complications.