Plastic endoprosthesis

Plastic endoprosthesis for biliary drainage were introduced in 1978 by Burcharth (1978) and Pereiras et al. (1978). Several types are available for percutaneous and endoscopic use. Common examples include the hammer endoprosthesis (William Cook), and the Carey-Coons endoprosthesis (Boston Scientific). Most plastic endoprostheses have sideholes at either end and are of large caliber to ensure efficient biliary drainage. 

Expandable metallic endoprosthesis were developed for use in the biliary tract in the mid 1980s to overcome the problems of plastic endoprostheses. Various types of metallic endoprostheses are commercially available for use in the bihary tree. They can be divided into two groups ... 

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