Research Progress on Biliary Stent Materials and Coatings

The rising incidence of biliary diseases, driven by an aging population and lifestyle changes, has elevated the importance of biliary stenting. This review aimed to systematically evaluate recent advancements in biliary stent materials and coatings, assessing their role in treating biliary stenosis and obstruction, with an emphasis on multifunctional coatings to enhance stent safety, efficacy, and patient outcomes while minimizing complications. Antimicrobial coatings, such as those with silver ions or chitosan, reduce infection risk; drug-eluting coatings, incorporating antibiotics or paclitaxel, mitigate infection and tumor progression; antiadhesion coatings extend stent patency. Furthermore, 3D printing enables patient-specific stent designs for optimal fit, while smart stents with integrated sensors enhance therapeutic precision by monitoring biliary parameters in real time. Multifunctional coatings and advanced materials substantially improve biliary stent performance, offering safer and more effective treatment options for biliary diseases. This review synthesizes the advantages and challenges of current technologies and recommends that future research should prioritize smart stents, biodegradable materials, and multifunctional coatings, validating their long-term safety and efficacy through clinical trials to optimize patient outcomes and advance clinical applications.