Which type of stent is specifically designed for applications where external compression is a concern?

The correct choice is self-expanding stents, which are specifically designed to address concerns related to external compression. These stents are made from materials that allow them to expand automatically, usually due to elastic recoil or specific design features, when placed in a narrowed or obstructed vessel.

In situations where there may be a risk of external forces compressing the vascular structure—such as in locations where the stent is subject to surrounding tissue pressure or movement—a self-expanding stent provides the advantage of maintaining patency by expanding adequately to counteract any compressive forces. This characteristic makes them well-suited for areas like the bile duct or certain vascular paths where stability is crucial under variable conditions.

While covered stents also offer benefits, particularly in preventing leakage or allowing occlusion of perforations, their primary function is not primarily focused on mitigating external compression. Balloon-expandable stents require the use of a balloon for deployment; once expanded, they rely on the shape of the vessel and surrounding soft tissues. Temporary stents are designed for short-term use and may not have the same resilience against compressive forces as self-expanding stents. Therefore, self-expanding stents are the most appropriate choice in scenarios where external compression is a significant concern.