RESUMO
The article presents an overview of the basic data influencing the choice of materials for the manufacture of self-expanding metallic stents to be implanted into gastrointestinal tract, particularly esophageal stents. The data are evaluated primarily in terms of the manufacturer of stents. The text emphasizes not only the importance of the materials themselves, but also the biological environment in which the stent is used. Brief history of materials used in gastrointestinal stents mentions stainless steel, cobalt-chromium and nickel titanium alloys and polymers (polyester and polydioxanone). The text describes the properties of metal materials (composition, corrosion, mechanical properties) with particular focus on nickel-titanium alloy—nitinol. It lists advantages and disadvantages of nitinol. At the end of the review the authors briefly present their opinion on future materials of gastrointestinal stents and their covering.