Boston Scientific's Ultraflex
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
Esophageal stent system for the "palliative treatment of advanced esophageal cancer" is approved by FDA. Constructed of Elastalloy, "a highly flexible titanium-based mesh," Ultraflex is inserted in the esophagus "to exert a constant, gentle force that helps keep the passage open" despite obstructive tumors. The firm is promoting the device as superior to rubber or plastic stents, which are "poorly tolerated in half of all patients"