Insertion of a biliary endoprosthesis using a balloon dilatation catheter

Adequate function of a percutaneous biliary endoprosthesis is accomplished by its successful positioning through the site of obstruction. Stent insertion is greatly facilitated when a peripheral bile duct is entered parallel to its long axis or the stent angled in a caudal direction. When the biliary system is entered in a cephalad direction, insertion may be laborious and a mature tract is often required. We describe the technique for such a positioning of a large-bore, long endoprosthesis using a vascular balloon dilatation catheter.