Résumé
The implantation of an internal biliary stent (IBS) during liver transplantation hasrecently been shown to reduce biliary complications. To avoid a potentially morbid ablationprocedure, we developed a resorbable and radiopaque internal biliary stent (RIBS). We studiedthe mechanical and radiological properties of RIBS upon in vivo implantation in rats and weevaluated RIBS implantability in human anatomical specimens.For this purpose, a blend of PLA50-PEG-PLA50 triblock copolymer, used as a polymermatrix, and of X-ray-visible triiodobenzoate-poly(-caprolactone) copolymer (PCL-TIB), as aradiopaque additive, was used to design X-ray-visible RIBS. Samples were implanted in theperitoneal cavity of rats. The radiological, chemical, and biomechanical properties wereevaluated during degradation. Further histological studies were carried out to evaluate thedegradation and compatibility of the RIBS. A human cadaver implantability study was alsoperformed.The in vivo results revealed a decline in the RIBS mechanical properties within 3months, whereas clear and stable X-ray visualization of the RIBS was possible for up to 6months. Histological analyses confirmed compatibility and resorption of the RIBS, with alimited inflammatory response. The RIBS could be successfully implanted in human anatomicspecimens. The results reported in this study will allow the development of trackable anddegradable IBS to reduce biliary complications after liver transplantation.