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WARNINGS
• The safety and efficacy of combined side-by-side with overlapping stents has not been
established.
• This stent is not intended to be removed and is considered to be a permanent
implant. Attempts to remove the stent after placement may cause damage to the
surrounding mucosa.
• This device is not intended to be deployed through the wall of a previously placed
or existing metal stent. Doing so could make it difficult or impossible to remove the
delivery system.
• The stent contains nickel, titanium, and gold, which may cause allergic reaction in
individuals with nickel, titanium, or gold sensitivity.
• These metal biliary stents are not intended to be repositioned or removed after
deployment in the bile duct. In case of accidental deployment or improper placement
(immediately following deployment), leave the stent in place.
PRECAUTIONS
• This device is intended for use by physicians trained and experienced in biliary
stenting. Standard ERCP techniques for placement of biliary metal stents should be
employed.
• This device is not compatible with the Cook Medical THSF wire guide.
• Refer to the package label for the minimum channel size required for this device.
• Prior to stent placement, a complete diagnostic evaluation should be performed to
determine the appropriate stent length and diameter. The stent length chosen should
allow for additional length on both ends of the stricture. NOTE: In the event a single
stent will not adequately cover the stricture, a second stent of the same diameter
should be placed. In relation to the lesion site, the area of narrowing furthest away
from the papilla should be stented first and the area nearest to the papilla should be
stented second. This second stent should provide adequate overlap (at least 1 cm)
with the initially placed stent to ensure a bridging of the stricture between the stents.
• This stent must be placed under fluoroscopic monitoring.
• This stent must only be placed using the delivery system provided.
• This stent is intended for palliative treatment only. Alternate methods of therapy
should be investigated prior to placement.
• After stent placement, alternate methods of treatment such as chemotherapy and
irradiation may increase the risk of: a) stent migration due to tumor shrinkage, b) stent
erosion of the tissue, and/or c) mucosal bleeding.
• Long-term patency with this stent has not been established. Periodic evaluation of the
stent is advised.
• If the wire guide or delivery system cannot be advanced through the obstructed area,
do not attempt to place the stent.
• Assessment must be made to determine the necessity of sphincterotomy or balloon
dilation prior to stent placement. In the event sphincterotomy or balloon dilation is
required, all appropriate cautions, warnings and contraindications must be observed.
• Take care not to kink the device during use.
• Do not expose the delivery system to organic solvents (e.g., alcohol).
• Do not excessively torque the device.
• Use of balloon dilation after stent placement has not been evaluated.
• Following stent placement if resistance is met during the withdrawal of the delivery
system, carefully remove the delivery system and wire guide as a unit.