Stent geometry

1. A non-expandable stent comprising:

a generally tubular body having a lumen defined therethrough, the body comprising:

a proximal portion comprising a curved portion, the curved portion comprising a loop configured for placement proximal to a sphincter to prevent ingress of the curved portion through the sphincter; and

a substantially straight distal portion comprising a first retaining member extending outward from a proximal end of the distal portion, the first retaining member configured for placement distal to the sphincter and configured to engage the sphincter such that the curved portion and the first retaining member engage the sphincter to hold the stent in position,

wherein the distal portion, distal to the first retaining member is free of retaining members and the distal portion distal to the first retaining member has a first length that is greater than a second length, the second length extending longitudinally between the curved portion and the first retaining member.

2. The stent of claim 1 , further comprising a second retaining member extending outward from the proximal end of the distal portion, the second retaining member positioned proximal to the first retaining member.

3. The stent of claim 1 , further comprising a second retaining member extending outward from the proximal end of the distal portion, the second retaining member positioned about 180° circumferentially apart from the first retaining member.

4. The stent of claim 1 , further comprising a tapered distal end.

5. The stent of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of openings in the tubular body.

6. The stent of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of openings are alternately spaced apart on opposite sides of the tubular body.

7. The stent of claim 1 , wherein the curved portion comprises about a 90° to 270° loop.

8. The stent of claim 1 , wherein the curved portion comprises about a 270° loop or greater.

9. The stent of claim 1 , wherein an outer diameter of the stent is between about 3 French to about 10 French.

10. The stent of claim 1 , wherein an outer diameter of the stent is about 5 French or less.

11. The stent of claim 1 , wherein the second length is between about 0-15 mm.

12. The stent of claim 11 , wherein the second length is between about 5-10 mm.

13. The stent of claim 1 , wherein the stent comprises a material selected from the group consisting of plastics, silicone, block polymers, urethanes, polystyrene, polyethylene, PTFE, FEP and combinations thereof.

14. A method for implanting a stent through a sphincter, the method comprising;

providing a stent delivery system having a wireguide; and

a non-expandable stent slidably positionable over the wireguide, the stent comprising:

a generally tubular body having a lumen defined therethrough, the body comprising:

a proximal portion comprising a curved portion, the curved portion configured for placement proximal to a sphincter to prevent ingress of the curved portion through the sphincter; and

a substantially straight distal portion comprising a first retaining member extending outward from a proximal end of the distal portion, the first retaining member configured for placement distal to the sphincter and configured to engage the sphincter, and a remainder of the distal portion, distal to the first retaining member free of retaining members

advancing the delivery system to a sphincter delivery site using an introducer catheter;

deploying the stent into the sphincter delivery site by distally advancing the first retaining member through the sphincter and engaging the sphincter with the curved portion positioned proximal to the sphincter and the first retaining member, the first retaining member positioned distal to the sphincter, the first retaining member being a distalmost retaining member and distally extending the distal portion free of retaining members into a duct; and

withdrawing the wireguide and introducer catheter so that the curved portion resumes a curved configuration and is positioned proximal to the sphincter.

15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising visualizing a radiopaque portion provided on the delivery apparatus for positioning the stent at the delivery site.

16. The method of claim 14 , comprising positioning the stent in a biliary or pancreatic duct.

17. The method of claim 14 , comprising positioning the stent wherein the curved portion is positioned in the duodenum.