A polymeric stent useful for the treatment of the salivary gland ducts

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0001The present invention relates to a medical device especially useful for surgical endoscopy and treatment of the salivary gland ducts. More specifically, the present invention relates to a stent-like a polymeric device comprising an elastic elongated tube; a funnel attached to said tube, comprising at least one gorge; and at least one flap, having means to anchor said stent to the salivary gland duct to be treated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0002Abnormalities and pathologies of the salivary glands are traditionally divided into four categories: (i) inflammations; <i>(ii)</i> infections, and (<i>iii</i>) obstruction to the flow of saliva and <i>(iv)</i> tumors. This obstruction is most commonly from the submandibular parotid and glands, usually due to stone formation and due to the presence of strictures and kinks in the salivary gland ducts. A polyethylene tube, made of a commercially available intravenous catheter (inner diameter of 1.7 to 2.0 mm, length 45 mm) was implanted by Nahelieli <i>et al.</i> (see <nplcit id="ncit0001" npl-type="s"><text>Nahlieli et al., J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg., 59:484-490, 2001</text></nplcit>) inside kinked and strictured salivary gland ducts, for two weeks. The anterior edge of this rigid tube was sutured to the mucosa ands the periosteum near the lingual side of the anterior teeth. This preliminary stent-like conduit is characterized by many drawbacks hereto described. It does not enable the continuous drainage of saliva from the oral cavity towards the salivary gland. The immobilization of this polyethylene pipe into the injured salivary gland duct, by means of suturing it to the tissue, is tedious and inefficient. This device is not adapted to be anchored to said salivary duct, so the stent has an unstable location and thus might occasionally damage the salivary duct. Still, this rigid tube can escape from the salivary duct towards the oral cavity or the salivary gland itself and hence might produce a serious injury of these delicate organs. Lastly, and most importantly, the rigidity of the tube and its inefficient design causes severe pain to the patient.

0003<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="GB1518654A"><text>GB 1,518,654</text></patcit> discloses an endo-oesophageal tube comprising a tubular main part having at or towards one end a resiliently deformable formation which opposes reverse movement of the tubular part after insertion through a stricture, the tubular main part and the formation each being provided with a radioopaque marking. The tubular main part may be provided with a flexible funnel at its upper end, and a helical reinforcing element of pylon thread or wire may be embedded in the tubular wall.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0004The present invention provides a polymeric stent, especially useful in surgical endoscopy and for the treatment of salivary gland ducts comprising; an elongated tube, wherein the proximal end of said tube has a funnel-like shape; and wherein said funnel further comprises at least one gorge, which enables the suturing of said stent to said duct.

0005It is also provided, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a polymeric stent as defined above, having means to be at least temporally anchored inside the lumen of a salivary duct. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said means to encore said stent inside the lumen of the salivary gland duct is at least one wing-like flap and/or said stent comprising two wing-like flaps.

0006It also provides, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a polymeric stent as defined above, adapted to be at least temporally anchored inside the lumen of a salivary duct, wherein the tube additionally comprises at least one extended portion on its width. One particular embodiment is wherein the extended portion is an accordion-like member, as described in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2A</figref>, and/or a polymeric stent as defined above, additionally comprising a plurality of flaps, arranged in a circular array of folded flaps, as described in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2C</figref>.

0007It also provides, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a polymeric stent as defined above, in the length of approximately 20 to 65 mm and most particularly in the range of 32 to 48 mm.

0008It also provides, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a polymeric stent as defined above, wherein the internal diameter of the elongated tube is in the range of approximately 1.0 to 4.5 mm and most particularly in the range of approximately 1.5 to 3.0 mm.

0009It also provides, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a polymeric stent as defined above, wherein the length of the funnel-like member is in the range of approximately 1.0 to 4.5 mm and most particularly in the range of approximately 1.0 to 4.5 mm.

0010It also provides, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a polymeric stent as defined above, wherein the tube is selected from a porousive or a non-porousive article, made by the method selected from knitting or weaving a polymeric sleeve; extruding, cast-forming or press-molding a polymeric raw-material.

0011According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a polymeric stent as defined above is provided, suitable for either local or systemic delivery of compounds selected from drugs and other substances.

0012Still according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a polymeric stent as defined above is provided, wherein the drug to be delivered is selected from one or more biocides, steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, antiviral compound, analgesics, local anesthetics, anticoagulants, antihypertensive substances, vitamins and contrast media. More specifically, said biocide to be delivered is selected from cetylpyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, polyoxyethylene, nonylphenols, alkylaryl sulfonates, miconazole nitrate, metronidazole, trimethoprim, chloramphenicol, sulfamethoxazole; cetramide or any effective antibiotic. Additionally, amore specifically, the steroidal anti-inflammatory agents to be delivered are selected from corticosteroids and any hydrocortisone containing compositions. Moreover, said local anesthetic is preferably selected from lidocaine, adrenaline, ephedrine, epinephrine, aminophylline, and theophylline.

0013It also provides, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a polymeric stent as defined above, having means to be temporally anchored to said stent inside the lumen of the salivary gland duct to be treated, comprising a funnel with two gorges. Preferably, said stent is the one described in <figref idref="f0002">figure 2</figref>.

0014A method for implanting the polymeric stent into the lumen of a salivary gland duct as defined above is proivided, comprising; (a) inserting said stent into a salivary gland duct to be treated, such that the whole tube is located in said duct and such that the proximal side of said stent is located inside the oral cavity; and (b) suturing said stent to the mucosa and/or the periosteum near the lingual side of the anterior teeth by means of sutures, wherein said sutures are sutured to at least one gorge located in the funnel.

0015A suitable guidance member may alternatively provide said method. Thus, a method for implanting the polymeric stent into the lumen of a salivary gland duct as defined above is provided, wherein the implanting the polymeric stent into the lumen of a salivary gland duct as above, is aided with a relatively rigid guidance member. Said method comprising mainly the hereto define steps of: (a) inserting an effective portion of said guidance member into the tube of the stent at its proximal end; (b) inserting said stent into a salivary gland duct to be treated, such that all of the tube is located in said duct and such that the proximal side of said stent is located inside the oral cavity; (c) removing said guidance member from the stent; and (d) suturing said stent to the mucosa and/or the periosteum near the lingual side of the anterior teeth by means of sutures, wherein said sutures are sutured to at least one gorge located in the funnel.

0016It also provides, a method for implanting the polymeric stent into the lumen of a salivary gland duct as defined above, especially useful for the treatment of strictures, kinks, and any pathology of the salivary gland duct, wherein said method is especially useful for practice along and after a surgical endoscopy.

0017Lastly, it also provides, a method for implanting the polymeric stent into the lumen of a salivary gland duct as defined above, wherein said treatment by the polymeric stent defined in claim 1 and in preceding claims is for a period of approximately two weeks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0018<dl id="dl0001" compact="compact"><dt>Figure 1</dt><dd>presents a side-view of a polymeric stent comprising an elongated tube, attached funnel, two gorges and two flaps (<figref idref="f0001">Fig 1A</figref>), and a top view of said stent.</dd><dt>Figure 2</dt><dd>presents a side view of various stents according to the present invention.</dd><dt>Figure 3</dt><dd>presents a side view of a polymeric stent with a guidance member, and two possible guidance members.</dd><dt>Figure 4</dt><dd>presents a method for implanting the polymeric stent into the lumen of a salivary gland duct with an aided of a guidance member. The method is schematically comprising the steps of inserting an effective portion of the guidance member into the tube of the stent at its proximal end (A), so the guidance member is strongly anchored inside the bore of the stent (B); inserting said stent into a salivary gland duct to be treated, such that all of the tube is located in said duct and such that the proximal side of said stent is located inside the oral cavity (C); and then removing said guidance member from the stent (D).</dd></dl>

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0019The current invention contemplates the usage of any prosthesis, which can be inserted into the saliva duct in order to create a continuous passageway through said duct. When "stent" is referred to herein, it may include the classical definition of stents as they are used in known intravascular applications. "Stent" used herein also includes any prosthesis which may be inserted and held where desired in the lumen of said saliva duct.

0020The following description is provided, along all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide for stenting and supporting the continuous flow of saliva throughout the saliva ducts.

0021There are several polymeric compounds that are known to be bioabsorbable and to have the ability to be drug impregnated. These compounds include, yet not limited to poly-1-lactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polyanhydride, and polyphosphate ester, polyurethanes, polyethylene. Most specifically, theromplastic polyurethanes, such as the commercially available Estane products (such as Estane 58092), are suitable as raw-martials for the hereto-defined stent. It is further acknowledged that various coloring materials and surface coatings are suitable for use. Those raw materials may be used in their many forms, i.e., crystals, fibers, blocks, plates, etc. and in a wide range of molecular weights. Co-polymers and blends are applicable according to the present invention to form either porous or non-porous polymeric stents. The polymeric stents, according to the present invention, may be made as an extruded open-bore polymeric pipe, a woven or knitted sleeve etc. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, extrusion, cast-forming or press-molding techniques are suitable for the production of the polymeric stent.

0022Additionally, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said polymeric composition of the stent may be bio-stable or bio-absorbable. If bio-stable, a drug, as wildly defined in the present invention, would diffuse out of the polymer. Various compositions are suitable to be delivered either locally or systematically by the aforementioned polymeric stent. These release compositions are selected for drugs, and any other desired materials, including, yet not limited to one or more biocides, steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, antiviral compound, analgesics, local anesthetics, anticoagulants, antihypertensive substances, vitamins and contrast media.

0023According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, steroidal anti-inflammatory agents may be used, comprising, but not limited to, corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, hydroxyltriamcinolone, alpha-methyl dexamethasone, dexamethasone-phosphate, beclomethasone dipropionates, clobetasol valerate, desonide, desoxymethasone, desoxycorticosterone acetate, dexamethasone, dichlorisone, diflorasone diacetate, diflucortolone valerate, fluadrenolone, fluclorolone acetonide, fludrocortisone, flumethasone pivalate, fluosinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, flucortine butylesters, fluocortolone, fluprednidene (fluprednylidene) acetate, flurandrenolone, halcinonide, hydrocortisone acetate, hydrocortisone butyrate, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone acetonide, cortisone, cortodoxone, flucetonide, fludrocortisone, difluorosone diacetate, fluradrenolone, fludrocortisone, diflurosone diacetate, fluradrenolone acetonide, medrysone, amcinafel, amcinafide, betamethasone and the balance of its esters, chloroprednisone, chlorprednisone acetate, clocortelone, clescinolone, dichlorisone, diflurprednate, flucloronide, flunisolide, fluoromethalone, fluperolone, fluprednisolone, hydrocortisone valerate, hydrocortisone cyclopentylpropionate, hydrocortamate, meprednisone, paramethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, beclomethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone, and mixtures thereof may be used. The preferred steroidal anti-inflammatory for use is hydrocortisone.

0024According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least two antiviral compounds may be used, comprising, but not limited to acyclovir and interferon.

0025According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, steroidal analgesics may be used, comprising, but not limited to aspirin, salicylic acid, diflunisal, morphine and its salts and the like.

0026According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, antiseptic substances may be used, comprising, but not limited to cetylpyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine and the like.

0027According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, antimycotic substances may be used, comprising, but not limited to cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and the like.

0028According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention antifungals, may be used, comprising, but not limited to polyoxyethylene nonylphenols, alkylaryl sulfonates, miconazole nitrate, metronidazole, trimethoprim and the like.

0029According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, antiprotozoals may be used, comprising, but not limited to chloramphenicol, sulfamethoxazole and the like.

0030According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, local anesthetics may be used, comprising, but not limited to salts of procaine, benzocaine, lidocain, procain, bupivacaine, tetracain, xylocaine, mepivacaine and their salts and the like; antiasthma drugs such as adrenaline, ephedrine, epinephrine, aminophylline, theophylline and the like.

0031According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention anticoagulants, may be used, comprising, but not limited to heparin and its salts, such as calcium and sodium heparin, bishydroxycoumarin and the like.

0032According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention antihypertensive, may be used, comprising, but not limited to methyldopa, hydralazine, clonidine, chlorothiazide, timolol, propanolol, metroprolol, prazosin hydrochloride, furosemide and the like.

0033According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, vitamins may be used, comprising, but not limited to such as B₆, B₁₂ and C and the like.

0034According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention contrast media, may be used, comprising, but not limited to BaSO₄, iohexol and other iodine-containing substances and the like (x-ray), iron(II,III)oxide particles, titanium dioxide pigments, and other ferromagnetic materials (magnetic resonance imaging). It is acknowledged in this respect, that various coloring materials, such as 14-4007 PV fast violet pigments, are possible ingredients of the material forming or coating the stents.

0035Reference is made now to <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>, presenting one preferred embodiment of the polymeric stent according to the present. Said stent comprises an elongated open-bore polymeric tube (1), comprising a proximal rim (i) located adjacent to the oral cavity when implanted in the salivary gland duct, and a distal rim (ii), located adjacent to the salivary gland when implanted in the salivary gland duct. The aforementioned stent additionally comprises a funnel (2), located in the proximal rim of said tube. The inner diameter of said tube at the proximal rim is equal to the inner diameter of the funnel at its distal rim (4), wherein the inner diameter of the funnel at the proximal rim is wider than at the distal rim (3). Said funnel is preferably comprises of at least one gorge, which is a hole in the wall of said funnel, that enables the surgeon implanting said stent to suture it easily and efficiently. The stent might comprise a few gorges, wherein two gorges are sufficient to anchor the stent in its desired location inside the salivary gland duct.

0036Additionally or alternatively, the stent according to the present invention, comprises at least one flap, ensuring that the stent is fixed to its desired position without any undesirable movement along the salivary gland duct. <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1B</figref> present a top view of the stent, takes from the proximal rim (3) of the stent to its distal end (4), comprising two gorges (5a, 5b). It is acknowledged that the hereto-described stent may comprise between one to four gorges. Nonetheless, more gorges are possible, and may be useful in some cases.

0037Reference is made now to <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>, presenting preferred embodiments of the hereto-defined polymeric stent. <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2A</figref> is a side view of a stent according to the present invention, comprising an accordion-shaped extension (7). The eternal diameter of said extension (7a) is wider than the external diameter of said elongated tube (7b), thus enabling the fixation of the stent inside the lumen of the salivary gland duct. It is acknowledged that more than one of said extension is possible and a few said extension may be useful in some specific lumens.

0038<figref idref="f0002">Figure 2B</figref> presents a side-view of the stent according to the present invention, wherein at least one flap (6) is provided for enabling the stent to be affixed inside the salivary gland duct. Said flap is preferably a leaf-like polymer made article, comprising considerable elasticity which ensures efficient and consistent attachment to the interior lumen of the salivary gland duct to be treated. It is acknowledged that more than one flap is possible, and a set of a few flaps may be useful in some specific lumens. The flaps may be arranged side-by-side (e.g., in parallel), or one along the other as described in the aforementioned <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2B</figref>.

0039Referring now <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2C</figref>, the stent according to the present invention comprises at least one circular array of folded flaps (6a). It is appreciated that the external diameter of the folded flaps is wider than the external diameter of the elongated tube, whereby the fixation of the stent inside the lumen of the salivary gland duct. It is further acknowledged that more than one circular array of folded flaps (6a) is possible, and a set of a few of said arrays may be useful in some specific lumens.

0040<figref idref="f0002">Figure 2D</figref> presents a side-view of a simple polymeric stent according to the present invention, wherein the stent in affixed to the interior lumen of the salivary gland duct, only by means of suturing the stent to tissues located in the oral cavity. Moreover, as schematically described in <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2D</figref>, the surface of the stent, and more particularly, the walls of the polymeric tube portion of said stent might comprise porous. Thus, according to one preferable embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned stent is made as an elongated sleeve, made of either porousive open-bore pipe, which was reshaped by pressure-molding, by knitting or weaving extruded polymeric fibers or by any other suitable technique.

0041Reference is still made to <figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref>, schematically presenting two guidance members (8). The first member is a relatively rigid tube (A) and the second member is adapted to be conveniently inserted inside the tube (1) of the stent. Draw C shows the polymeric stent (1) wherein the guidance member (8, as shown in draw A) is partially inserted into the proximal rim of the stent.

0042Reference is lastly made to <figref idref="f0004">Figure 4</figref>, schematically presenting a method for implanting the polymeric stent into the lumen of a salivary gland duct (9) with an aided of a guidance member (8). Said guidance member is preferably made of relatively rigid materials, such as polymers (e.g., polymethyl metaactrylate or other acrylates, high-density polyethylene, high-density polypropylene, high-density polystyrene etc.), rubber made articles, or any suitable metal wares. In one preferred embodiment, said guidance member is an elongated tube with an external diameter, which is approximately equal to the internal diameter of the stent's tube (1). This guidance member (8) is preferably sterilezable member, adapted to be held conveniently by the surgeon (See for example <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 3B</figref>).

0043The method for the deployment of said stent is schematically presented in <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> and comprising the steps of inserting (100) an effective portion of the guidance member (8) into the tube (1) of the stent at its proximal end (<i>i</i>) (<figref idref="f0003">Fig. 3A</figref>), so the guidance member is strongly anchored inside the bore of the stent (<figref idref="f0003">Fig. 3B</figref>); inserting (200) said stent into a salivary gland duct to be treated, such that all of the tube is located in said duct (9) and such that the proximal side of said stent is located inside the oral cavity (<figref idref="f0003">Fig. 3C</figref>); and then removing (300) said guidance member (8) from the stent (Fig. 3D) whereas the stent is still anchored inside the lumen (8).